Cheesy Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells - Easy Baked Dinner
A hearty, family-friendly baked pasta dish where jumbo shells are filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, topped with mozzarella and marinara for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook jumbo shells to al dente
- Drain pasta and lay it in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook garlic 30 seconds
- Add ground beef to skillet; cook until browned (6-8 minutes), draining excess fat
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper
- Gently fold in cooked beef and egg until well combined
- Spoon 1 cup marinara into the base of a 9x13-inch baking dish
- Fill each shell with approximately 2 tbsp of the beef-ricotta mixture
- Arrange filled shells in the dish
- Evenly top with remaining 1 cup marinara and 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Use fresh or refrigerated pasta shells for best results
For a protein boost, add spinach to the filling
Add a sprinkle of parmesan before baking
Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days
For a protein boost, add spinach to the filling
Add a sprinkle of parmesan before baking
Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days
Nutrition
Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!