Description

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and a rich, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Baked to perfection, the dish offers layers of flavor and textures that are sure to please everyone at the table. With its hearty filling and cheesy goodness, these stuffed shells are a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes that are both easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
• 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and drain excess fat.
3. Add marinara sauce to the beef, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Boil salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
6. Stuff each shell with the beef mixture and ricotta cheese filling.
7. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the stuffed shells tightly together. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips and Conclusion

Refrigeration: Allow the Beef-Stuffed Shells to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.Freezing: For longer storage, these stuffed shells freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: In the Microwave: To reheat individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.