Description
Delight in the comforting flavors of creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells! Jumbo pasta shells are packed with a savory ricotta and beef filling, topped with a luscious marinara cream sauce, and baked to perfection. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef – Cooked and crumbled for a hearty texture.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully inside the shells.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For extra richness and flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binds the filling together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the filling with savory notes.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds a fresh, herby kick.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.
For the Pasta:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells – Cooked and drained for stuffing.
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce – Use store-bought or homemade for convenience.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Gives the sauce a rich, cheesy finish.
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
- Stuff the Shells: Gently spoon the filling into each cooked pasta shell.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is warmed through and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden.
- Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, savory creation!
Notes
- You can prepare this dish in advance. Simply refrigerate before baking and add 10 minutes to the covered bake time.
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
- Garnish with extra parsley or fresh basil for a bright finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg