Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the large pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well, then fold in the cooled ground beef mixture. This creates a rich, flavorful stuffing for the shells.
- Carefully spoon the cheese and beef filling into each cooked pasta shell. Be gentle to prevent tearing the shells, and fill them generously for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave until hot or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked shells for up to 2 months, ensuring they are tightly wrapped.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains Dairy and Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell approximately
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg