Lumaconi pasta stuffed with meat and cheese

Stuffed Lumaconi with Meat and Cheese: An Unforgettable Delicacy

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately 4 lumaconi/person)

Looking for a recipe that will impress family and friends? Then, stuffed lumaconi with meat and cheese are the perfect choice! These pasta shells, resembling a snail's shell, are not only delicious but also very versatile, offering a rich taste and pleasant texture. So, get ready to discover a simple yet impressive recipe that is sure to become a favorite on your menu!

A Brief History of Lumaconi

Lumaconi, also known as "giant snails," are inspired by Italian culinary tradition, where pasta is a staple. These distinctive shapes are often filled with various combinations of meat, cheese, or vegetables, then baked to create a savory crust. Each family may have its own variation, making lumaconi an ideal dish to adapt to personal tastes.

Ingredients

To fill 16 lumaconi, you will need:

- 16 lumaconi (pasta)
- 200 g ground beef
- 2 medium onions
- 1 egg
- 100 g grated cheese
- 3 tablespoons of refined oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- A pinch of special spices for ground meat (you can use basil, oregano, or marjoram)

Necessary Utensils

- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A pan for sautéing onions and meat
- A spatula
- A baking dish
- A lid or aluminum foil

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Boiling the Pasta
Start by putting a large pot of water on the heat. Add a pinch of salt, and to prevent sticking, you can add a few drops of oil. When the water starts to boil, add the lumaconi and boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes. You can taste one to ensure they are al dente. After boiling, drain them well and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
While the pasta is boiling, you can prepare the filling. Finely chop the onions. In a pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and let it brown for 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.

Once the meat is cooked, let the mixture cool slightly. Add the egg, salt, pepper, and special spices. Mix well until homogeneous.

Step 3: Stuffing the Lumaconi
With the cooled filling, take a lumaconă and use a spoon or a wide pastry bag to fill each pasta shell. Be generous, but make sure the filling does not exceed the edges to avoid spilling during baking.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Grease a baking dish with a little oil. Carefully arrange the stuffed lumaconi in the dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to the dish, then cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes.

After this time, remove the dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Return to the oven for another minute or until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.

Serving

Stuffed lumaconi with meat and cheese can be served warm, alongside fresh tomato sauce or a crunchy vegetable salad. They also pair wonderfully with pickles, adding a note of freshness and acidity to the rich dish.

Practical Tips

- For a more intense flavor: add fresh herbs to the filling, such as parsley or basil.
- Variations: you can replace beef with chicken or even a vegetarian filling made of ricotta cheese and spinach.
- Prepare in advance: you can fill the lumaconi a day ahead and store them in the fridge, then bake them before serving.

Nutritional Information

A serving of stuffed lumaconi with meat and cheese contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This is a balanced meal, rich in protein due to the meat and egg, and provides carbohydrates from the pasta, making it a perfect choice for an energizing lunch or a comforting dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can replace lumaconi with conchiglioni, manicotti, or cannelloni, but the baking time may vary.

How can I make this recipe healthier?
Replace ground beef with turkey or a vegetarian filling. You can also use whole grain pasta for added fiber.

What drinks pair well with this dish?
A light red wine or fresh tomato juice complements the dish perfectly.

Personal Note

This recipe for stuffed lumaconi with meat and cheese reminds me of family meals filled with laughter and stories. Each bite is a journey into memories, and I firmly believe that cooking is an art form that brings us together. So, gather your friends or family and enjoy this delicious recipe!

Enjoy preparing this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of each ingredient!