Description
These Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are a comforting and hearty meal. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory ground beef mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy pasta!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the egg and stir to combine.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Using a spoon, stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or marinara sauce.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Italian
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg