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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

A comforting dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with ground beef and ricotta, topped with a creamy marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Filling
  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells) Perfect for holding tasty fillings while adding substantial mouthfeel.
  • 1 lb ground beef Provides a rich, meaty flavor that balances perfectly with the creaminess of the ricotta.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese The key ingredient for creaminess and richness.
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully on top.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Offers a sharp, nutty flavor.
  • 1 ea egg Acts as a binder.
  • 2 tsp dried basil Essential in Italian cooking.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Enhances flavor profile.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for flavor.
Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Brings together all elements of the dish.
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream Elevates the sauce to a luxurious texture.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For browning the beef.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Enhances the dish's aroma.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Remove from heat once browned.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing until well-combined.
Cooking
  1. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, sauté the minced garlic for about a minute. Stir in marinara sauce and heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for about five minutes.
  2. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, placing them in a greased baking dish.
  3. Pour the creamy marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or more grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing sautéed chopped spinach or mushrooms into the beef filling. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For time savings, use pre-made marinara sauce.