Description
Ricotta beef stuffed shells deliver Mediterranean comfort with rich, hearty flavors packed into tender pasta pockets. Melted cheese and savory ground beef create a luxurious dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 250 grams (8.8 ounces) ground beef
- 1 large egg
Cheeses:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Sauce:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta shells by boiling in salted water until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly to prevent tearing.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Create the cheese mixture by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Fold the cooled seasoned beef into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, placing them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melted finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the filling to set.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving for added aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Adapt the recipe easily for vegetarians by swapping ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted lentils for protein-packed alternative.
- Enhance flavor depth by sautéing onions and garlic with ground beef before mixing into ricotta filling for more complex taste profile.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt, making dish more heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
- Prepare shells ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and creating convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg