Description
Enjoy a comforting dish of Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, filled with a delicious blend of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
### Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
**Description:**
Indulge in these hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
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**Ingredients:**
– 12 large pasta shells
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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**Instructions:**
**1. Preparing the Pasta Shells:**
– Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
– Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
**2. Preparing the Beef Filling:**
– In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
– Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
– Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
**3. Making the Cheese Mixture:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until creamy.
– Stir in the cooked beef and onion mixture until well combined.
– Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
**4. Assembling the Beef-Stuffed Shells:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the dish.
– Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
**5. Baking the Dish:**
– Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
– Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
**6. Serving the Beef-Stuffed Shells:**
– Serve the stuffed shells on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
– Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!
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**Notes:**
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
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**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Yield:** 4 servings
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes