Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
A delightful dish combining rich flavors and comforting textures with creamy ricotta and hearty ground beef, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling Ingredients
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided: 1/2 cup for filling and 1/2 cup for topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece egg Acts as a binder for the filling.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor of the meat.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Filling and Baking
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
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