Description
This Family Style Christmas Stuffed Shells Bake is a comforting dish filled with creamy ricotta and savory beef, all topped with a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it brings warmth and joy to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using homemade sauce)
- For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your stuffed shells will bake evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside to cool slightly; this prevents burns when handling.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. If using spinach, fold it in gently. Mix until well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the marinara sauce. Combine the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. If using olive oil, stir it in for added richness. This mixture should be well-blended and flavorful.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds flavor to the base.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the cheese mixture, about 2-3 tablespoons per shell. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish.
- Once all shells are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top, creating a cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps to steam the shells and melt the cheese.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Look for a nice golden-brown top for that perfect finish.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Make sure to undercook your pasta shells slightly, as they will continue to cook in the oven. For the best flavor, let your marinara sauce simmer on the stove for a few minutes before using it.