Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 4-6 people
Why You’ll Love It
I adore this recipe because it’s easy to make, packed with cheeseburger flavors, and looks amazing on the table. It’s also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Finally, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Assemble Shells: Stuff each pasta shell with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Whisk together tomato sauce and a little water. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh oregano and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Add some chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, or shredded lettuce on top for a more authentic cheeseburger feel.
- Sides: Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for Customization
- Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan for a unique flavor.
- Relish Addition: Mix in some sweet relish for an extra tangy taste.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these shells?
A: Yes, you can freeze them after assembling. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready.
Q: How do I prevent the shells from breaking?
A: Cook them al dente and handle them gently to avoid breakage.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: While jumbo shells work best, you can experiment with other large pasta shapes if needed.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells are a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes, combining the flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and its ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy nights. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavors to make it your own!
