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beef Stuffed shells in a casserole dish.

Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

5 from 2 votes
Created by Mariam Ezzeddine
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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 Servings
Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells

For the meat sauce

  • 1 lb ground meat
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 24 oz jar marinara sauce

For the filling

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 whole egg
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese grated
  • cup parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped

Instructions

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 1091kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 2098mg | Potassium: 1259mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1733IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 615mg | Iron: 7mg
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