Description
Philly-inspired cheesesteak stuffed shells blend classic sandwich flavors with pasta perfection. Melted cheese, tender beef, and crisp peppers nestle inside pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 1/2 lb provolone cheese
- 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese
Produce and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Extras:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Incorporate ground beef or thinly sliced steak into the skillet, breaking it down and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes to enhance the meat’s moisture and flavor profile.
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes, then drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Stuff each pasta shell generously with the prepared meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring a full and even distribution.
- Layer provolone and mozzarella cheeses over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Optional: Drizzle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells for additional moisture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the shells to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Perfectly cook meat by ensuring no pink remains, which prevents potential foodborne illnesses and guarantees optimal flavor and texture.
- Select jumbo pasta shells carefully, checking for intact shapes to maximize stuffing capacity and prevent tearing during cooking.
- Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences like vegetarian or low-red-meat diets.
- Control moisture levels by draining excess liquid from meat mixture, preventing soggy shells and maintaining a rich, concentrated filling flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg