Description
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich ricotta-Parmesan filling and nestled in a savory meat sauce, then topped with mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. The ultimate comfort food for family dinners or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz box jumbo shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 20 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bring large pot of water to boil. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until beef browns.
- Remove excess grease. Add minced garlic and marinara sauce. Simmer on low heat while preparing filling.
- Combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley in bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Use spoon to fill each shell with 1.5-2 spoonfuls of ricotta mixture. Handle gently to avoid breaking.
- Place filled shells in skillet with meat sauce. Press shells down slightly. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 25 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp. Garnish with dried parsley.
Notes
- Slightly undercook the shells by 1-2 minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking
- Let cooked shells cool completely before stuffing to make handling easier
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest filling texture
- Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
- Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 shells
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: stuffed shells, cheesy pasta bake, ricotta stuffed pasta, freezer pasta meal, ground beef pasta, baked pasta shells