Description
Succulent ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, hearty flavors. Cheese-laden pasta shells nestle seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (454 g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce (473 ml)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a preheated oven at 375F (190C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature for the pasta dish.
- Boil pasta shells until tender, then carefully drain and set aside, allowing them to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, incorporating aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Allow the seasoned beef mixture to cool down, preventing egg scrambling when combining with other ingredients.
- Create a rich filling by blending ricotta, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and the cooled beef mixture until well incorporated.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared beef and ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Spread a base layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial moisture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells neatly over the sauce, creating an organized presentation.
- Generously top the shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells, creating a golden, melty topping.
- Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a vibrant, fresh touch to the dish.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for spice lovers.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Pre-cook shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Drain ricotta cheese on paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating a creamier and less watery filling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg