Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine Cheeses:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a greased baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance and bake it just before serving.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach or mushrooms into the beef mixture for extra nutrition!
Enjoy your delicious pasta shells! 🍽️✨
