Description
Succulent beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling delight pasta enthusiasts with Italian-inspired comfort. Melted cheese and hearty meat create a simple yet satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Immerse jumbo shells in salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain and spread on a kitchen towel to cool and prevent adherence.
- Meat Infusion: In a skillet, brown ground beef with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, creating a rich, fragrant foundation.
- Cheese Composition: Blend ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper into a smooth mixture. Integrate the seasoned beef, creating a harmonious filling.
- Shell Stuffing: Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef-ricotta mixture, ensuring complete coverage without compromising the shell’s integrity.
- Baking Preparation: Spread a thin marinara layer in the baking dish, providing a flavorful base. Arrange stuffed shells compactly, covering with remaining sauce and sprinkling additional cheese.
- Oven Transformation: Conceal with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Uncover for the final 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to caramelize and develop a golden crust.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the dish to settle briefly, enabling flavors to meld and filling to set before presenting this sumptuous Italian-inspired creation.
Notes
Prevent Shell Sticking: Gently separate boiled shells immediately after draining and lay them flat on a towel to avoid tearing and clumping during stuffing.
Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy filling and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
Cheese Mixture Consistency: Whisk ricotta thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, even texture that blends seamlessly with the seasoned beef.
Baking Temperature Precision: Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make serving easier, preventing filling from spilling out when plated.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg