Beef Stuffed Shells

Beef Stuffed Shells with jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese, baked in rich marinara sauce for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword beef, shells

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 683kcal

Ingredients

12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 tablespoons fresh parsley - chopped optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until almost al dente.
Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and onion; cook until browned and the onion has softened. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara and stir.
Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce across the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta cheese mixture and arrange the shells in the prepared dish.
Spoon the meat sauce over the top of the stuffed shells.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also broil for a few minutes if you want the cheese extra browned.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition