🥩 Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta & Sauce:
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups marinara sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo shells until al dente (about 9-10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened (2-3 minutes).
Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
4. Assemble the Shells:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
Stuff each cooked shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling and place them in the dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Dish:
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Time:
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes