Description
Ricotta beef stuffed shells bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, savory layers of seasoned meat and smooth cheese nestled in tender pasta shells. Hearty ingredients and classic Mediterranean flavors combine to create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 egg
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, carefully immersing jumbo pasta shells until they reach perfect al dente consistency. Gently drain and allow shells to cool and rest.
- Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by browning in a skillet over medium heat. Infuse with aromatic garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and fragrant mixture. Allow the meat to cool slightly.
- Craft a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg into a smooth, creamy foundation. Fold the seasoned beef mixture into the cheese blend, ensuring thorough integration of flavors.
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C). Create a sauce foundation by spreading marinara across a 9×13-inch baking vessel. Meticulously fill each pasta shell with the beef-cheese mixture, arranging them carefully in the dish.
- Cascade the remaining marinara over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle the reserved mozzarella across the top, creating a promising golden landscape.
- Drape the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 25 minutes. Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Allow the shells a brief moment to settle and cool. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and appetizing finale to this comforting pasta creation.
Notes
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative to beef.
- Toast herbs in the skillet before adding beef to intensify their aromatic flavors and enhance overall depth.
- Drain cooked ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crisp, clean filling texture.
- Undercook pasta shells slightly during boiling, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg