Description
Ricotta beef stuffed shells deliver Italian comfort with rich, hearty flavors nestled in perfectly cooked pasta pockets. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and smooth ricotta blend into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients:
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cheese and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups tomato basil sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a warm environment inside the oven, heating it precisely to 375F (190C) to ensure optimal cooking conditions.
- Submerge pasta shells in generously salted boiling water, cooking until they reach a tender al dente texture. Carefully drain and allow shells to cool slightly.
- Transform ground beef into a savory base by browning it thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat. Incorporate minced garlic and oregano, sautéing until aromatic and releasing rich flavors.
- Create a luxurious filling by blending the cooled seasoned beef with ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and a whisked egg. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious mixture.
- Establish a flavorful foundation by spreading tomato basil sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Meticulously stuff each pasta shell with the prepared beef and cheese mixture, arranging them neatly in the dish.
- Drench the stuffed shells with remaining tomato basil sauce, creating a moisture-rich environment. Generously sprinkle additional mozzarella across the top for a golden finish.
- Shield the dish with foil, baking for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant contrast. Serve immediately while the shells radiate warmth and rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Prep Shells Perfectly: Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture in every bite.
- Smart Meat Browning: Drain excess fat after browning beef to keep the filling lighter and prevent a greasy consistency.
- Cheese Blend Magic: Mix cheeses thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly, creating a creamy and rich filling that complements the beef.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg