Description
Mediterranean-style stuffed shells with meat and cheese showcase robust flavors from classic Italian ingredients. Perfectly balanced shells deliver rich comfort with hearty meat and creamy cheese that invite eager diners to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Pasta and Cheese:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 jar (24 fluid ounces) marinara sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and allow shells to cool slightly on a clean kitchen towel.
- Brown ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for additional 2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Create creamy filling by blending ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold in the prepared beef mixture until evenly distributed.
- Prepare baking dish by spreading one cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
- Gently fill each cooled pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, positioning them open-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Generously drizzle remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Prevent shell breakage by cooking pasta just until al dente and handling gently during stuffing.
- For leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine to the beef while cooking or mixing fresh herbs into cheese filling.
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked shells for convenient meal prep, storing in airtight container up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 555 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg