Description
Classic stuffed shells with meat and cheese bring Italian comfort to dinner tables. Rich ricotta, seasoned ground beef, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they reach al dente texture, then carefully drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, combining with finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Incorporate Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then drain any accumulated fat.
- Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and half of the prepared ground beef mixture.
- Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
- Generously fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, arranging them carefully in the prepared baking dish.
- Drench the stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage, and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant presentation and added aromatic flavor.
Notes
- Al dente pasta ensures perfect texture, preventing shells from becoming mushy during baking.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to avoid watery filling and maintain robust meat flavor.
- Use room temperature ricotta for smoother, creamier cheese mixture that blends effortlessly.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat for lighter, healthier protein alternatives.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg