There’s something magical about jumbo pasta shells cradling rich meat sauce and a luscious ricotta filling. These Beef-Stuffed Shells are the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—cheesy, savory, saucy, and baked to bubbling perfection. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner or a freezer-friendly meal prep, this one’s a keeper. 🍽️❤️
📝 Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the shells: Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2️⃣ Make the meat sauce: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 cup marinara sauce and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Stuff the shells: Fill each shell with about 1 tbsp of the ricotta mixture, then top each one with the beef sauce.
5️⃣ Assemble and bake: Spread remaining marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells on top, sprinkle with extra mozzarella, and cover with foil.
6️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
7️⃣ Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and maybe a little extra Parmesan if you love a cheesy finish!
💡 Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Add chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for a veggie boost.
- Try ground turkey instead of beef for a twist.
- Want it spicy? Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta are pure comfort in every bite. The melty cheese, savory meat, and saucy shell combo is impossible to resist. Make it ahead, freeze it, or serve it up for your favorite people—it’s a guaranteed hit. 💕🍝
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