Cheesy Shells And Meat: Perfect Pairing Ideas

what meat goes with shells and cheese

There are many different types of meat that can be used in shells and cheese recipes. Ground beef is a popular choice, but other options include Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground chicken, and lean ground beef. The meat is usually cooked and seasoned before being stuffed into the shells with a mixture of cheeses and other ingredients like eggs, garlic, and onion. The shells are then baked and can be served with a side of garlic bread or salad.

Characteristics Values
Meat Ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground chicken
Other ingredients Onion, garlic, egg, cheese, spinach, basil, pesto, marinara sauce

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Ground beef, ricotta, and spinach

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make ground beef, ricotta, and spinach shells and cheese:

  • Jumbo pasta shells
  • Ground beef
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Spinach
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Basil
  • Egg

Method

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350-400°F.
  • Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off the excess fat.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, and seasonings.

Assembly

  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
  • Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
  • Top the shells with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue to bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

Tips and Variations

  • You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions.
  • You can also add some pesto to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
  • If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the shells and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
  • You can also freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, extending the cooking time by 10-30 minutes.

cycheese

Ground beef, onion, and garlic

To make this dish, start by cooking the shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the shells, then set them aside to cool.

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through. Don't forget to drain off the excess fat!

For extra flavour, you can add some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. You can also try adding other spices like garlic powder, basil, oregano, or a pre-made Italian seasoning blend. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes will add a bit of spice.

Now, it's time to assemble the dish! In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with ricotta cheese, shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, an egg, and some basil (if using). Stuff each shell with a generous tablespoon of this cheesy beef mixture.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with more shredded cheese and cover the dish with aluminium foil.

Bake the shells at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of colour and added freshness. Serve this delicious, comforting dish with a side salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal!

cycheese

Ground beef, egg, and Parmesan

Ingredients

  • Ground beef
  • Jumbo pasta shells
  • Olive oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Egg
  • Cottage cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13" baking pan.
  • Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta shells until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the shells and place them upside down on a baking sheet to dry.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the egg, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them on top of the sauce, open side up.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the shells.
  • Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil. Then, bake for an additional 5-7 minutes uncovered, or until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve!

Tips

  • You can make this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, let the dish come to room temperature for about an hour, then cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
  • You can also freeze the unbaked shells and bake them directly from frozen at 350°F for about an hour.

cycheese

Ground beef, tomato sauce, and cream cheese

Ingredients

  • Ground beef
  • Jumbo pasta shells
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Tomato sauce
  • Cream cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  • Boil the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil and add chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning.
  • Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with the cooked ground beef mixture.
  • Stuff the pasta shells with the cream cheese and ground beef mixture.
  • Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with tomato sauce.
  • Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Variations

  • You can add other ingredients to the ground beef mixture, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the ground beef mixture.
  • You can also use other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini, instead of shells.

cycheese

Ground beef, cheddar, and beef broth

This combination of ground beef, cheddar, and beef broth is a match made in heaven. The beef broth adds a savoury depth of flavour to the dish, while the cheddar brings a sharp, creamy tanginess that is simply irresistible. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering meal.

Ingredients:

  • Ground Beef
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Beef Broth
  • Medium-Sized Shells
  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Flour
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Cream Cheese

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente so that it doesn't become soggy later on. Drain and rinse the shells once they're cooked.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until they're almost tender. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it's browned. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks to get an even texture.

Step 3: Create a Thick Sauce

To the same skillet, add flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and slowly stir in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Let this mixture simmer until it starts to thicken, creating a delicious sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Melt

Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Gently mix everything together and let the cheese melt, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.

Tips for Success:

  • To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, cook the shells al dente.
  • Drain any excess grease from the ground beef after cooking to ensure a less greasy dish.
  • For faster melting, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the sauce.
  • Freshly grate your cheddar cheese for faster melting and a smoother sauce.

Variations and Substitutions:

  • For a Mexican twist, try using Mexican-blend cheese or Colby Jack cheese instead of cheddar.
  • If you're not a fan of beef, you can substitute it with chicken or turkey.
  • Spice things up with some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Add some extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or onions for a healthier kick.

So, there you have it! A hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a cosy night in. Enjoy the delicious combination of ground beef, cheddar, and beef broth in every cheesy bite.

Frequently asked questions

Ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, and ground chicken are all great options to pair with shells and cheese.

Yes, you can omit the meat or substitute it with vegetarian options such as Impossible ground beef.

Cook the pasta shells al dente, according to the package instructions, to avoid overcooking them. You can also add extra vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the filling for more flavour and nutrition.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or until warmed through.

Side dishes such as garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or focaccia go well with shells and cheese and meat.

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