Description
Delicious Beef Stuffed Shells filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture combined with seasoned ground beef, baked in marinara sauce for a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Remove from heat once cooked through.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture until all ingredients are evenly combined to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Stuff Shells: Gently stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese filling, ensuring they are well filled but not overstuffed. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the arranged stuffed shells. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesiness and a golden baked finish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffed shells rest for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover meat.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for enhanced flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the beef and add chopped spinach or mushrooms.
- Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating; bake when ready to serve.
- Ensure pasta shells are drained well to prevent excess moisture diluting the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
