Description
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Stir cooked beef into the ricotta mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use halal ground beef if required.
- Shells can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian