Description
Experience a true Italian Meal Idea with our Classic Italian Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef. This authentic recipe pairs succulent ground beef with a trio of cheeses, baked in rich marinara sauce for a comforting embrace of flavors reminiscent of traditional Pasta Shells And Ground Beef Recipes. Perfect for any dinner setting, enjoy a taste of Food Italian cuisine straight from the heart of Italy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onions and garlic until beef is no longer pink; drain excess fat. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine beef mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley; mix well.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with beef mixture and arrange on top of sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells, sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Cook pasta shells to al dente to ensure they do not become mushy in the oven.
- For richer sauce, add a splash of red wine to the marinara.
- Cover the dish with foil during baking to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian