Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
A delightful and hearty dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and a medley of cheeses, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef juicy and flavorful
- 1 cup ricotta cheese creamy and rich
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melty goodness
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese adding that nutty bite
- 1 large egg binding everything together
- 2 cloves garlic minced for aromatic depth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt seasoning our dish perfectly
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for a hint of warmth
- 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells cooked and drained to perfection
Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce tangy and savory
- 1 cup heavy cream making it luxuriously creamy
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping, to create a golden finish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for an additional minute.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, the egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the cheese blend and mix thoroughly.
Assembly
- Carefully stuff each jumbo shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and heavy cream.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
- Let the stuffed shells cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking can bring extra heat.