Beef-Stuffed Shells
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12-16 shells Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound Ground beef Can substitute with turkey or chicken
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Consider using low-fat for a healthier option
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese For richer flavor, try using fresh mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 large Egg Binds the filling
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped
- 2 cups Marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper To taste
- Fresh basil Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a bubbly boil.
- Carefully add the jumbo shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assembling the Dish
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with the savory beef and cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
For lower-calorie options, consider using low-fat cheese or plant-based alternatives. The dish can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day before baking.