Ingredients:
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take a cooked pasta shell and fill it with a spoonful of the beef mixture, then a spoonful of the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shell in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat until all shells are filled.
- Add Marinara Sauce:
- Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are evenly covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
- Variations: Add spinach or other vegetables to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious pasta shells with ground beef! Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
