Cheesy Baked Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
This recipe features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, combined with seasoned ground beef. The shells are baked in marinara sauce and topped with more cheese for a bubbling, golden finish. It’s an Italian-inspired comfort dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells
- Boil the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the egg. Add the cooled meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
Stuff the Shells
- Spoon the filling into the cooked pasta shells. Arrange the shells in a baking dish.
Add Sauce and Bake
- Pour marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with a side of garlic bread or salad