Beef Mince Bolognese Stuffed Pasta Shells
This delightful dish marries the rich, savory flavors of classic Bolognese with the comforting structure of stuffed pasta shells. Originating from Italian culinary traditions, this modern interpretation is both a feast for the eyes and the palate, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Bolognese Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil - extra virgin
1 medium onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
500 grams ground beef (minced beef) - grass-fed for best flavor
1 can crushed tomatoes - 400g can, use San Marzano for authenticity
2 tablespoons tomato paste - concentrated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pasta and Filling
- 200 grams jumbo pasta shells - approximately 20 shells
125 grams ricotta cheese - whole milk
1 cup mozzarella cheese - shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese - finely grated
Garnish
1 handful basil - fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef mince. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until just al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan. Gently fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the Bolognese sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled pasta shells over the sauce. Spoon the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an even deeper flavor, prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition
Calories: 797kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 44gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 706mgPotassium: 965mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 760IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 483mgIron: 5mg
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