Cheesy Stuffed Shells Dinner (Print Format)
Stuffed shells baked on meat sauce and finished with melted mozzarella for a creamy, savory dinner.
# Ingredients:
01 -
12 oz jumbo shells
02 -
1 lb ground beef
03 -
1/2 tsp salt
04 -
1/2 tsp pepper
05 -
1 tsp paprika
06 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
07 -
1 onion, chopped
08 -
1 tbsp minced garlic
09 -
24 oz jar marinara sauce
10 -
20 oz ricotta cheese
11 -
1 egg
12 -
1 tsp dried parsley
13 -
1 tsp garlic powder
14 -
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
15 -
1 cup mozzarella cheese
16 -
Dried parsley for garnish
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions, then drain and let them cool.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, remove any excess grease, then add minced garlic and simmer with marinara sauce on low heat.
03 -
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Mix until well-blended.
04 -
Use a spoon to fill the cooked pasta shells with the ricotta mixture (about 1 1/2 to 2 spoonfuls per shell).
05 -
Place the filled pasta shells into a skillet with the prepared meat sauce. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the shells in it. Press the shells slightly into the sauce and top with mozzarella cheese.
06 -
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes. For crispy edges, bake uncovered. To keep the dish softer, cover with aluminum foil.
07 -
Garnish with dried parsley, serve, and enjoy.
# Tips:
01 -
For a vegetarian variation, skip the ground beef and use a plant-based meat alternative or just extra marinara sauce.