Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
A comforting baked pasta dish with jumbo shells stuffed with a creamy beef and ricotta filling smothered in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells Plump and perfect for holding delicious fillings.
- 1 pound ground beef Offering rich, savory flavors.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Creamy and luscious, a staple in Italian households.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Adding elasticity and melting goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adding depth of flavor and a nutty finish.
- 1 piece egg Binding everything together for a delightful texture.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Fragrant and zesty, bringing brightness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Providing aroma and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A fragrant mix of herbs that evokes the Italian countryside.
- Salt and pepper To taste, for seasoning perfection.
- Fresh basil For garnish, bringing a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, cooking them just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a spacious bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix well, then fold in the cooked beef mixture.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta-beef filling and arrange them snugly in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will soften during baking. Adjust seasonings to taste while preparing.