Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells 🧀🍲
Savor the comfort of tender pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful blend of ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked to perfection in a rich tomato basil sauce and topped with bubbly, golden cheese.
Ingredients:
20 large pasta shells
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 large egg, beaten
2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until they're al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the minced garlic and oregano, cooking until the garlic is fragrant.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the beef mixture cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix everything together until well combined.
4. Stuff and Assemble:
Spread 1 cup of tomato basil sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, arranging them neatly in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-covered.
5. Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish the stuffed shells with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful dish.
Tips:
For a lighter twist, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to complement the turkey's milder flavor.
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6
Calories: ~455 per serving
This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. Enjoy!