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Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Delicious and comforting baked stuffed shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and savory ground beef meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this classic Italian-American dish combines tender pasta shells with rich flavors and a hearty meat sauce.

Ingredients

Pasta Shells and Sauce

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells (6 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce (or homemade meat sauce)

Cheese Filling

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9 X 13-inch baking dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing them to cool slightly for easier handling.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Pour olive oil into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture.
  5. Add Pasta Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce and reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce and meat to simmer gently while you prepare the filling.
  6. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the egg thoroughly. Add the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Mix all ingredients well to combine into a smooth filling.
  7. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spoon about one-third of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
  8. Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta cheese mixture and arrange them gently in the baking dish over the sauce.
  9. Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them fully, then cover the dish tightly with tin foil.
  10. Bake Covered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  11. Add Final Cheese Layer and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the shells, then return the baking dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the ricotta filling.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
  • Be sure to not overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • To make this vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use a marinara sauce instead of meat sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipesbylea.com/baked-stuffed-shells-recipe/