Stuffed Pasta Shells
These Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting dish filled with a savory blend of beef, ricotta, and Italian spices, baked with marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 lb ground beef Browned and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adjust to taste
- to taste Salt and pepper
For assembly
- 12 large pasta shells Cooked until al dente
- 1 cup marinara sauce Divided for baking
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping
- Fresh basil for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assembly
- Stuff each pasta shell generously with the beef and ricotta mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses or include sautéed vegetables in the filling. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.