Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente (slightly undercooked).
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Spread the shells on a baking sheet to cool.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: spinach, garlic, or onion.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef until well combined.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the beef and cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Arrange the filled shells in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Notes
- Preparation Time:
- Cooking pasta shells: 10 minutes
- Preparing beef filling: 10 minutes
- Mixing the cheese and assembling the shells: 10 minutes
Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time:
- Baking (covered): 20 minutes
- Baking (uncovered): 10-15 minutes
Total Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Overall Timing:
Preparation + Cooking: 60-65 minutes