Description
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta, a dish that marries the rich flavors of savory ground beef and creamy ricotta, all encased in tender pasta shells and smothered in a vibrant marinara sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a hearty meal to brighten any day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with garlic until browned; drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and cooked beef; season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and beef mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for enhanced flavor, as suggested by Chef Lidia Bastianich.
- Prep Time: For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for enhanced flavor, as suggested by Chef Lidia Bastianich.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 3-4 stuffed shells)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg