Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes
400kcal
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 large pasta tubes These are perfect for holding all that savory goodness in!
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef Feel free to use turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
- 1 small onion Chopped finely for even cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic Use fresh for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can be substituted with your favorite dried herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground makes a big difference!
For the Cheesy Delight
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Consider substituting with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully to create that cheesy pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated will elevate your dish significantly.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the filling.
For the Sauce and Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought works well.
- fresh basil leaves Optional, for garnish.
Method
Preparation Steps
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Fill the Pasta: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: In a baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the Tubes: Place the stuffed pasta tubes in the baking dish, side by side. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve and Delight: Serve warm and enjoy every bite of your homemade Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes.
Nutrition
Serving1tubeCalories400kcalCarbohydrates40gProtein25gFat20gSaturated Fat10gPolyunsaturated Fat2gMonounsaturated Fat5gCholesterol80mgSodium600mgPotassium500mgFiber3gSugar5gVitamin A350IUVitamin C2mgCalcium250mgIron3mg