Savor the comforting delight of beef stuffed shells, showcasing generously filled jumbo pasta shells brimming with a savory blend of seasoned ground meat, luscious ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, expertly baked for a satisfying meal.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with oil and set it aside.
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain them and set aside.
For the meat sauce, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the seasonings: salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Saute until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Remove 3/4 of the meat and set it aside. To the remaining meat, add the marinara sauce and cook for 2 minutes until well combined. Set aside for later use as the meat sauce.
For the filling, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add the reserved 3/4 portion of cooked meat to the ricotta cheese mixture and mix until well combined.
Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the prepared cheese and meat mixture, using about 2 tablespoons per shell. Repeat with the remaining shells.
In the greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce (about ¾ cup). Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the stuffed shells for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dish is heated through.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta shells until just al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy during baking.
Season the Filling Well: Don't skimp on the seasonings for the beef filling, as they add flavor and depth to the dish.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose the best quality ingredients you can afford, as they will greatly impact the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Garnish Before Serving: Sprinkle the baked stuffed shells with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.