Description
Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta, a hearty Italian-inspired bake that blends tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, silky ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, all nestled in a robust marinara sauce. This easy-to-prepare, oven‑baked dish delivers rich flavor, comforting texture, and a golden cheesy crust, making it an ideal family favorite for busy evenings and special gatherings alike. Serve hot with a side salad for a complete meal toda
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Cook pasta shells until al dente, drain.
- 3. In a bowl combine beef, ricotta, half mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Stuff each shell with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
- 5. Pour marinara over shells, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, drizzle butter.
- 6. Cover with foil, bake 25 minutes; remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. The dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta, easy baked pasta, stuffed shells recipe, ricotta pasta bake, family dinner ideas, Italian comfort food, quick weeknight meals, how to make stuffed shells, best pasta dishes, oven baked shells, cheesy ricotta bake