Green Chile Ground Beef And Cheese Stuffed Shells With Alfredo Sauce
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with these Green Chile Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells, generously smothered in creamy Alfredo sauce. Tender jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, spicy hot green chile, minced onion, and garlic, all complemented by gooey muenster cheese.
Baked to golden perfection with a topping of Parmesan and breadcrumbs, this dish promises a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and refreshing sun tea.
Green Chile Ground Beef And Cheese Stuffed Shells With Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
Lean ground beef
Chopped hot green chile
minced onion
garlic
12 jumbo pasta shells
muenster cheese
Alfredo sauce
Parmesan
bread crumbs
Instructions:
Brown lean ground beef, when almost done add chopped HOT green chile, minced onion and garlic.
While that was happening, cook 12 jumbo pasta shells according to box.
Place a small chunk of muenster cheese and add cooked chile beef to each shell and placed in baking dish I had layered with Alfredo sauce.
After filling all shells I poured the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top and added shredded Parmesan and bread crumbs, baked at 375 for 30 minutes.
Serve this big lunch with a green salad and sun tea.
Notes:
Choose Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess fat in the dish. Drain any excess grease after browning to keep the dish lighter.
Adjust Green Chile Heat: Adjust the amount of chopped hot green chile according to your spice tolerance. Remove seeds and membranes for milder heat or increase for more spice.
Cook Pasta Shells Al Dente: Cook the jumbo pasta shells just until al dente (firm to the bite) as they will continue cooking slightly in the oven. Overcooked shells can become too soft and difficult to handle.
Layer Alfredo Sauce: Layer the baking dish generously with Alfredo sauce before adding the stuffed shells. This ensures each shell is coated in creamy sauce and prevents sticking to the dish.
Muenster Cheese Selection: Use muenster cheese for its creamy texture and mild flavor. Ensure each shell gets a small chunk of cheese for melty goodness inside.
Evenly Fill and Arrange: Fill each pasta shell evenly with the beef and cheese mixture to ensure consistent flavor in each bite. Arrange the stuffed shells tightly in the baking dish to prevent them from shifting during baking.
Top with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the stuffed shells before baking. This adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavor profile.
Bake Covered: Consider covering the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking to prevent excessive browning. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to melt and the breadcrumbs to crisp up.
Serve Fresh and Hot: Serve the stuffed shells immediately after baking for the best taste and texture. Pair with a fresh green salad and your favorite beverage for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. This allows flavors to meld together. Just remember to adjust baking time accordingly if baking from cold.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 550 | Protein: 30g | Fat: 35g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the lean ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
Is there a specific type of hot green chile recommended?
You can use your preferred hot green chile, such as Hatch green chiles, depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare the stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them when ready to serve.
What other cheese can I use besides Muenster?
You can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Is there a way to make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Absolutely, you can make Alfredo sauce from scratch using butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. There are many recipes available online.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells for later. Ensure proper packaging to maintain freshness.
What’s a good substitute for bread crumbs?
Crushed crackers or panko crumbs can be used as alternatives to traditional bread crumbs.
How spicy is the final dish with hot green chiles?
The spice level depends on the type and amount of hot green chiles used. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of jumbo shells?
Certainly, you can use other pasta shapes like manicotti or large rigatoni for a similar effect.
What are some side dish suggestions for this meal?
A green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement this flavorful stuffed shells recipe.