Description
Succulent beef and creamy ricotta blend perfectly in these irresistible stuffed shells. Comfort meets Italian-inspired cuisine with tender pasta pockets that promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every memorable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking.
- Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring they maintain a slight firmness. Carefully drain and set aside to cool.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden.
- Introduce ground beef into the skillet, browning thoroughly while breaking into small crumbles. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Remove from heat and allow slight cooling.
- Create the filling by blending ricotta, half the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, whisked egg, and cooled seasoned beef. Mix until completely uniform.
- Gently fill each pasta shell with the ricotta-beef mixture, arranging them snugly in a prepared baking dish.
- Generously ladle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover during the final 10 minutes to allow cheese to develop a golden, slightly crispy surface.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves as a vibrant, aromatic garnish before serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by sautéing garlic until golden brown and releasing its aromatic essence, which deepens the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and drained to prevent excess grease, creating a lighter and more appetizing filling.
- Choose high-quality ricotta cheese for a creamier texture and consider using part-skim varieties for a healthier alternative without compromising richness.
- Customize the recipe by experimenting with different herbs like oregano or thyme, or adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg