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Stuffed Pasta Shells

Delight in creamy ricotta and savory ground beef stuffed into tender pasta shells, smothered in rich marinara sauce and bubbling cheese, for a heartwarming dish perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Filling
  • 12 pieces Large pasta shells Cook according to package instructions
  • 1 pound Ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese Opt for part-skim for a healthier option
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Sautéed for flavor
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Sautéed with garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped Optional for flavor
Sauce and Topping
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce For layering and topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded For topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
Cooking
  1. Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked beef mixture, egg, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil (if using).
  3. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
  4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, let the dish rest before serving to enhance flavor and presentation. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.