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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef


  • Author: Shirley
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you need to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef:

  • 1215 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Beef Filling:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Season the Beef: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the egg. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Stuffed Shells:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them seam side down.

Bake the Stuffed Shells:

  1. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are all covered. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: 500-550 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 30g