Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta
Hearty pasta shells filled with savory ground beef and creamy ricotta, topped with marinara and cheese, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Shells and Filling
- 12-16 shells jumbo pasta shells Depending on how hungry everyone is!
- 1 pound ground beef Look for halal-certified beef.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for filling and topping.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For topping.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Chopped for garnish.
- to taste black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Season with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each pasta shell and generously fill it with the beef and ricotta mixture, then place it in a greased baking dish.
- Once all the shells are filled, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
If you're looking for variations, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, swap meat for sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.