✨ This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty! Juicy ground beef mixed with ricotta and baked in a luscious marinara cream sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair with garlic bread or salad for the ultimate comfort meal. 😋
📝 Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 🍝 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🥚 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧂 Salt and ⚫ black pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 🍅 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping:
- 🧀 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🌿 Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
📋 Directions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using) to make a creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Sauce and Topping:
- Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Shells:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
📊 Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🔥 Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 55 minutes
- 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
- 🍽️ Servings: 4–6 servings