Stuffed Pasta Shells Ground Beef (Print-Friendly Version)
Jumbo pasta shells filled with savory beef, ricotta, marinara, and melted mozzarella cheese.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Pasta
01 -
22 jumbo pasta shells
→ Meat and Dairy
02 -
450 grams lean ground beef
03 -
425 grams ricotta cheese
04 -
200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Sauce
05 -
720 milliliters marinara sauce
→ Seasonings and Garnish
06 -
Garlic powder, to taste
07 -
Onion powder, to taste
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Black pepper, to taste
10 -
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Detailed Directions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, then drain and let cool.
02 -
In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 -
Combine the cooked beef with ricotta cheese and half of the chopped fresh herbs until evenly blended.
04 -
Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly in a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef mixture, placing them seam side up in the dish. Cover with remaining marinara sauce and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
05 -
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
# Helpful Advice:
01 -
Cook pasta shells al dente to maintain texture after baking.
02 -
Adjust seasoning of meat mixture according to preference.
03 -
For a vegetarian alternative, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables.