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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a cheesy, savory meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  6. Mix the slightly cooled beef mixture into the ricotta filling.
  7. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  8. Fill each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place in the dish.
  9. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cook pasta shells al dente to prevent tearing.
  • Use high-quality marinara for best flavor.
  • You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate overnight.
  • Freeze before or after baking for easy future meals.
  • Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
  • Make it gluten-free with gluten-free pasta shells.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://wowrecipesfood.com/beef-stuffed-shells-with-creamy-ricotta-filling/