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A plate of stuffed pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese and seasoned beef, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs.

Stuffed Shells: A Cheesy Beef and Ricotta Masterpiece

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Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Stuffed Shells: A Cheesy Beef and Ricotta Masterpiece. This hearty baked pasta dish combines tender jumbo shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the jumbo shells in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  3. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag, then place filled shells in a baking dish side by side.
  5. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
  • You can prepare the filling and assemble the dish ahead of time for convenience.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinara or ricotta mixture.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Successfully adaptable for gluten-free and low-carb diets by using appropriate pasta alternatives

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/6 of dish)
  • Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg