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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

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A comforting and delicious pasta dish featuring jumbo shells stuffed with a rich mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Topped with a creamy marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  • Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is heated through and the cheese is melted.
  • Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can use homemade marinara sauce.
  • If you prefer extra creamy stuffed shells, add a bit more heavy cream to the sauce.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and garlic bread.

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