Description
Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, then baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. This comforting dish is a perfect combination of hearty and cheesy, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the stuffed shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the ricotta filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
For baking:
2 cups marinara sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until softened (2-3 minutes). Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare ricotta filling by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg in a bowl. Stir in the cooled beef mixture.
- Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the beef-ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
- Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
To prevent shells from breaking, cook them just until al dente and stir gently.
Make-ahead option: Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 375 kcal
