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Stuffed Pasta Shells

A cozy dish that combines creamy cheese and savory beef wrapped in tender pasta shells, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Filling Ingredients
  • 12 pieces Large pasta shells
  • 1 lb Ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or veggie mix.
  • 15 oz Ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced For better flavor, toast the garlic.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 24 oz Marinara sauce Could substitute with alfredo or spicy arrabbiata sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • to taste Fresh basil, chopped (optional) Optional for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
  4. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
  5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, the cooked beef mixture, egg, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil (if using).
  6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
Baking
  1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  3. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for about 3-5 days. To freeze, store for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking until warmed through. For make-ahead, prepare shells ahead of time and bake when ready.