Description
Hearty Italian-American stuffed shells with meat and cheese combine ricotta, ground beef, and marinara in a comforting casserole. Home cooks can savor this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a delectable Italian-inspired dish.
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Create a flavor base by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a skillet until translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking thoroughly until rich brown. Season with a blend of salt, black pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ricotta, half the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a whisked egg, and the seasoned beef mixture until uniformly combined.
- Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
- Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the robust meat and cheese mixture, nestling them snugly in the sauced baking dish.
- Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve piping hot directly from the oven.
Notes
- Make shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring they maintain a perfect texture when stuffed.
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the filling soggy and diluting the rich flavors.
- Use full-fat ricotta for creamier filling, but low-fat works as a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Customize the recipe by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences or lighter meal options.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg