Ground Beef and Green Chile stuffed Pasta Shells baked with Creamy Alfredo

Introducing a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, spicy green chile, and creamy Alfredo sauce, all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection. Ground Beef and Green Chile Stuffed Pasta Shells Baked with Creamy Alfredo offers a tantalizing fusion of savory and spicy elements, complemented by the comforting creaminess of Alfredo sauce and the subtle tang of Parmesan cheese.

Each pasta shell is generously filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, fiery green chile, and melty Muenster cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Topped with a golden layer of breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan cheese, this dish emerges from the oven bubbling and fragrant, ready to be served alongside a crisp green salad and refreshing sun tea for a satisfying and memorable meal.

Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, this hearty and comforting dish is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ground Beef and Green Chile stuffed Pasta Shells baked with Creamy Alfredo

Ingredients:

lean ground beef

HOT green chile, chopped

minced onion

garlic

12 jumbo pasta shells

muenster cheese

creamy Alfredo sauce

Parmesan, shredded

bread crumbs

Instructions:

I brown lean ground beef, when almost done I added chopped HOT green chile, minced onion and garlic.

While that was happening I cooked 12 jumbo pasta shells according to box.

I placed a small chunk of muenster cheese and added 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.

I’m serving this big lunch with a green salad and sun tea.

Notes:

Adjusting Spice Level: The recipe calls for HOT green chile, but you can adjust the heat by using mild or medium green chile if preferred. Taste the chiles before adding them to gauge their heat level.

Cheese Variation: While Muenster cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cheddar for a different taste profile.

Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience, or make your own homemade sauce if preferred. If using store-bought, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor.

Cooking Pasta Shells: Be careful not to overcook the jumbo pasta shells as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Cook them until they are just al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and falling apart during stuffing and baking.

Filling Variation: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Bread Crumb Topping: The bread crumbs add a crunchy texture to the dish. You can use plain bread crumbs or seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the stuffed pasta shells hot from the oven, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Alongside a crisp green salad and sun tea, this dish makes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the stuffed pasta shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Freezing Instructions: If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire baking dish to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

How spicy is the dish with HOT green chile?

The spiciness of the dish will depend on the heat level of the HOT green chile used.

You can adjust the amount of chile to suit your preference for spiciness.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Muenster?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can make homemade Alfredo sauce if you prefer.

There are many recipes available online, or you can use your favorite recipe.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed pasta shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil before refrigerating.

How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?

Bake the dish at 375°F for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for future meals.

Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container before freezing.

What can I serve as side dishes with this meal?

The dish pairs well with a green salad and sun tea, as mentioned in the recipe.

You can also serve it with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a side of roasted potatoes.

How do I know when the pasta shells are cooked al dente?

Cook the pasta shells according to the instructions on the box.

They should be tender but still slightly firm when bitten into.

Can I adjust the seasoning in the filling mixture?

Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning in the ground beef mixture according to your taste preferences.

You can add more garlic, salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.