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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta

Savory beef-filled pasta shells enveloped in creamy ricotta, topped with melty mozzarella and marinara sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Choose halal or grass-fed for the best flavor.
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese Silky and creamy, the star of this dish.
  • 1 egg egg Helps bind the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds great flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder For an extra savory touch.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Essential for seasoning.
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional) For garnish and fresh flavor.
For the shells and topping
  • 24 pieces jumbo pasta shells Easily found in the pasta aisle.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For that gooey topping.
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Your favorite brand or homemade.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for those delicious shells.
  2. In a large pot of salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
  4. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, and the egg until well mixed.
  5. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, using a spoon to get it nice and full.
  6. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top in a single layer, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Garnishing
  1. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitutions: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—both are delicious options! Always ensure your pasta is al dente to avoid soggy shells. Take your time stuffing the shells; a well-packed shell is a happy shell.