Description
Hearty Italian-style Stuffed Shells deliver a comforting blend of ground beef, ricotta, and melted cheese in perfectly seasoned pasta pockets. Warm, rich flavors promise a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare large pasta shells in boiling water until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and set shells aside to cool slightly.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Eliminate excess grease and season thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Create a rich filling by mixing ricotta cheese, beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl. Fold cooked beef into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Gently fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese blend, arranging them snugly in a greased baking dish.
- Generously ladle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive moisture loss.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and filling becomes hot. Uncover during the final 10 minutes to allow a golden-brown surface to develop.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, maintaining a perfect texture.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy dish, keeping the filling rich and hearty.
- Mix cheeses well to create a creamy, uniform filling that binds the meat and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce calories and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 505 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg