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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

A delightful and comforting dish filled with savory beef and rich, creamy ricotta, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef Juicy and flavorful, the foundation of your stuffed shells.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Creamy and rich, adds delightful texture.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Provides melty, stretchy texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Enhances every bite with nutty flavor.
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the filling.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Brings warmth and aroma.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Adds freshness and color.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice.
  • 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained Perfectly al dente, ready to be stuffed.
Sauce and Topping
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Tangy and rich, brings dish together.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds silkiness to the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) Creates a deliciously golden crust.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed, then add the cooked beef mixture.
  5. Stuff each jumbo shell with the beef and cheese mixture, placing them in the prepared baking dish standing upright.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and heavy cream, then pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese atop the shells and cover the dish with foil.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For richer flavor, consider combining ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add subtle heat.