Description
Beef-stuffed pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese for a comforting Italian-style dinner.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier plating.
- This dish freezes well before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American