Description
Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a flavorful and comforting Italian-American dish featuring hearty ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped in tender pasta shells and topped with melted mozzarella. This baked dish is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. Learn how to make this delicious stuffed shells recipe with ground beef, ricotta, and marinara sauce for a savory meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp basil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the beef-ricotta mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can freeze the stuffed shells either before or after baking.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
