Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you need to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef:
- 12–15 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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