Turn up the flavor on your next pasta night with these cheesy beef stuffed shells infused with Lesley Elizabeth’s Sundried Tomato Seasoning & Pesto. This hearty and savory baked pasta dish combines seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and our gourmet herb blend for a family-style recipe that’s both easy and irresistibly delicious.
Beef Stuffed Shells with Sundried Tomato Seasoning & Pesto
Ingredients (Serves 10):
- 20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1¼ cups ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups (6 oz) shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Italian diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 tablespoons Sundried Tomato Seasoning & Pesto
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine Sundried Tomato Seasoning & Pesto, water, and olive oil to create a flavorful blend. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey), onion, and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, the prepared pesto mixture, egg, and half of the cooked meat mixture.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Spread ¾ cup of this mixture in the bottom of a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese and meat filling, then arrange them in the dish. Combine remaining meat mixture with the rest of the tomato sauce and spoon over the shells. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (optional for best flavor).
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Why You'll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe:
- Infused with the bold flavor of Lesley Elizabeth's Sundried Tomato Seasoning & Pesto
- Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead dinners
- Customizable with beef, turkey, or vegetarian substitutes
Enjoy a gourmet twist on traditional pasta with this stuffed shells recipe loaded with creamy ricotta, seasoned meat, and a robust sundried tomato flavor. It’s comfort food made elegant—straight from your kitchen!
Looking for more easy, flavorful meals made with Lesley Elizabeth infused seasonings and oils? Explore more recipes here.