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Beef & Ricotta-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Sauce

Beef & Ricotta-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Sauce

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  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Discover the decadence of Beef & Ricotta-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Sauce, a comforting pasta dish that combines hearty beef with the richness of ricotta cheese, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for family meals, this recipe is easy to prepare and guarantees satisfaction.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Stuffed Shells:

  • 12 Large Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

For Garnish:

  • Fresh Basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and remove from heat. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Stuff the Shells: Spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each jumbo shell until generously filled. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in a baking dish.
  4. Add the Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Don’t Overfill: Leave a little room in the shells to prevent overflow while baking.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese can elevate the flavor of your dish.
  • Let the Shells Cool: Allow your stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving for better handling.
  • Experiment with Sauces: Try Alfredo or pesto instead of marinara for a twist on flavors.
  • Add a Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crunchy texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg