Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
These delicious beef-stuffed shells are filled with a rich and creamy ricotta filling, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 spoon for filling shells
Ingredients
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Spread one cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, and place them seam side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.