Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes are hearty and delicious pasta filled with a savory beef mixture and blended cheeses, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with more cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Pasta:

• 12 large pasta tubes (such as cannelloni or jumbo shells)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Cook Pasta Tubes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Cook Beef Mixture: 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 excess fat.
2. Season Filling: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Tubes

1. Fill Pasta: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture, making sure to pack it in well.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread Sauce: In a baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
3. Arrange Stuffed Pasta: Place the stuffed pasta tubes in the baking dish, side by side. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all the pasta is covered.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these delicious beef and cheese stuffed pasta tubes!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Meat Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for different flavors.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding feta or goat cheese for a unique taste.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes are a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta with a flavorful beef and cheese filling, all baked in marinara sauce. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, these stuffed pasta tubes are sure to be a hit! Enjoy this delightful recipe!