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Classic Meat and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory ground beef and ricotta mixture, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce
  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells 1 box
  • 24 oz marinara sauce jarred or homemade
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef lean
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, for filling
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells al dente (2-3 mins less than package directions). Rinse with cool water.
  2. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain fat.
  3. Stir in seasonings and 1/2 cup marinara sauce into the meat. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parmesan, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Stir in the meat mixture.
  5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  6. Stuff each shell generously with the meat/cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
  7. Top with remaining marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more until bubbly.

Notes

Can be assembled and refrigerated 24 hours in advance before baking.