Here’s a delicious recipe for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling:
Ingredients:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Ricotta Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta shells:
- In a large pot, cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the beef filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the ricotta filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped basil or parsley. Mix until smooth. Fold in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
- Stuff the shells:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, seam side up.
- Add remaining sauce and cheese:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped basil or parsley if desired.
These beef-stuffed shells are hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner! Enjoy!
