Deluxe Pizza Stuffed Shells

Introduction:
Elevate your dinner game with these Deluxe Pizza Stuffed Shells! This dish takes classic stuffed pasta shells and turns them into a pizza lover’s dream. Filled with a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and pizza toppings, then baked in a savory marinara sauce, these stuffed shells are a perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Flavor-packed: Combines the best of pizza and pasta in one delicious dish.
• Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
• One-dish wonder: Simple to prepare and clean up.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings and adjust the spices to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 12-15 large pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pepperoni slices (or diced pepperoni)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Cook the Shells:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat.

1. Mix the Cheese Filling:

• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until well combined.

1. Assemble the Shells:

• Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spoon the cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell, then fill with the beef and vegetable mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

1. Serve:

• Allow the stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Shells: Ensure the pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
• Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses or add extra cheese for a gooier texture.
• Toppings: Customize with additional pizza toppings like cooked sausage, green peppers, or onions.

Recipe Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Sauce Options: Use a different sauce like Alfredo or pesto for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and check the labels on sauces and cheeses.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light Italian dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment:

• Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and vegetables.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for this casserole.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of meat?
  Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of beef.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them until ready to bake. They can also be frozen for later use.
• Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
  Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce adds a great touch and can be customized to your taste.

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the beef.

Cook Time:

• 30 minutes for baking the casserole.

Total Time:

• 50 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

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Closing Notes:
Have you tried these Deluxe Pizza Stuffed Shells? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations and check back for more tasty and easy recipes.