Description
Delight in a comforting Italian-inspired dish with jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and cheese, topped with a luscious marinara and cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Using a spoon, fill each cooked jumbo shell with the prepared beef and ricotta mixture.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the sauce is heated through and the cheese is melted, creating a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
This hearty baked pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp salad for the ultimate meal
