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Easy Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta – Cheesy, Meaty & Delicious


  • Author: Hannah

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook the Pasta Shells:

    • Boil jumbo shells in salted water until al dente according to package directions.

    • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

  3. Prepare the Beef Filling:

    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

    • Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.

    • Add ground beef and cook until browned.

    • Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

    • Drain excess grease and let mixture cool slightly.

  4. Mix the Cheese Filling:

    • In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the cooled beef mixture. Mix well.

  5. Stuff the Shells:

    • Spread a layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the baking dish.

    • Fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place in the dish, open side up.

  6. Add Sauce and Cheese:

    • Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

    • Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

  7. Bake:

    • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

    • Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

  8. Serve:

    • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

    • Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.