Description
Indulge in these hearty Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling, a classic Italian comfort food that combines tender pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and a luscious ricotta cheese mixture. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this recipe delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Explore how to create a delicious baked pasta dish that harmonizes savory beef, creamy cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef mince)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. To prevent sticking, lightly oil the shells if desired.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, cooking until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella (reserve some for topping), and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. Incorporate the cooled beef mixture into the ricotta filling to add savory flavor and texture.
- Carefully fill each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish coated with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to get a crispy top.
Notes
- Use fresh basil or parsley for added flavor as a garnish.
- Lightly oil the shells after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate for convenience.
- For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle more mozzarella or Parmesan before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg