Beef-stuffed Shells

Beef-Stuffed Shells are a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory, flavorful beef mixture, all baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese. This Italian-inspired meal is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, offering a satisfying combination of textures—chewy pasta, rich meat, and creamy cheese. With its bold flavors and comforting appeal, beef-stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite weeknight staple or crowd-pleasing dish at any occasion.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the beef filling: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly.
3. Mix the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and the beaten egg. Fold in the cooked beef mixture and mix well.
4. Stuff the shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, then arrange them in the baking dish.
5. Bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve the beef-stuffed shells hot.

These Beef-Stuffed Shells are a rich and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion, offering the perfect balance of savory meat, creamy cheese, and delicious pasta!