Description
Beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and rich ricotta cheese, topped with marinara and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.
- Spoon remaining marinara over the shells.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook shells to prevent tearing.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Pairs well with garlic bread or salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American