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Beef Stuffed Shells

Heavenly Beef Stuffed Shells for Cozy Family Dinners

Delight your family with comforting beef stuffed shells, filled with seasoned ground beef and ricotta, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells Cook until al dente.
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce Use homemade or store-bought.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Swap with cottage or cream cheese if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated enhances flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Helps bind the filling.
  • 1 medium Diced Yellow Onion Infuses sweetness.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Can interchange with basil.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Freshly grated for best melt.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cooking Spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Stuffed Shells
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook diced onion until translucent, then add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff cooked pasta shells with the filling and place them in the dish.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  8. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh cheeses. Chill assembled shells before baking for a make-ahead option.

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