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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling 🍝🧀

 

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Beef-Stuffed Shells! Jumbo pasta filled with a savory beef and creamy ricotta mixture, all topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, make for a deliciously satisfying meal.

 

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Filling:

    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for the best texture)
    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 egg
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    For the Sauce:

    • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

    For the Pasta:

    • 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

    For Topping:

    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

    Instructions

    Step 1: Cook the Pasta

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
    2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes).
    3. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water, and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
      📌 Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the shells since they will continue cooking in the oven!

    Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
    2. Drain excess grease and stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
    3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
    4. Add the cooled beef mixture to the cheese mixture and mix until smooth.
      📌 Pro Tip: Let the beef cool before mixing with ricotta to prevent curdling!

    Step 3: Stuff the Shells

    1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    3. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of beef-ricotta mixture.
    4. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.

    Step 4: Assemble & Bake

    1. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the shells.
    2. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
    3. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    4. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

    Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

    1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
    2. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
    • Author: Sara