A comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, then smothered in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil shells in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, combine:
- Ricotta
- 1 cup mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Egg
- Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
4. Stuff the Shells
- Fill each shell generously with the beef-cheese mixture.
5. Assemble
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange stuffed shells on top.
- Pour remaining sauce over shells.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
6. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook shells—they’ll soften more while baking.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use spicy marinara or chili flakes if you like heat.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
