Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce
Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce
This comforting Italian dish is perfect for any occasion! Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a delicious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned ground beef, all topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Shells:
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes).
Drain the shells and lay them out on a baking sheet to cool and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Meat Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined.
Stuff the Shells:
Fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the meat and cheese filling.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then top with the remaining marinara sauce.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
For extra flavor, add some sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the meat mixture. You can also try adding a layer of spinach or kale to the ricotta filling for an extra boost of veggies!
Enjoy your Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce for a heartwarming meal!
