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Savory Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Savory Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
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Savory Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this recipe balances hearty protein, creamy cheese, and Italian herbs to create a timeless classic everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 package jumbo pasta shells

Filling

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool, ensuring they don’t stick together.
  2. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Mix in ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooled shell generously with the ground beef and cheese mixture, filling shells evenly without overstuffing.
  4. Assemble the baking dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese slightly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta shells; boil just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
  • Drain cooked ground beef well to keep filling rich but not oily.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Cover baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and keep shells moist.
  • Allow the dish to rest after baking to firm up the filling and prevent spills when serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed shells, ground beef, baked pasta, ricotta, Italian, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/savory-stuffed-shells-with-ground-beef/