Description
Indulge in these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells, filled with a rich blend of beef and cheeses, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. A comforting dish perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and cooled beef. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding spinach or herbs to the ricotta mixture!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes