Description
These stuffed shells are loaded with a savory beef and cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese with seasoned ground beef makes this a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Add the cooled beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Assemble the Shells: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in the dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred.
- Add extra herbs like basil or thyme to the filling for more flavor.
- For extra cheesy stuffed shells, top with additional Parmesan or mozzarella before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Stuffed shells, ground beef stuffed shells, cheesy stuffed shells, pasta, Italian dinner, baked pasta