Description
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a rich, savory dish featuring large pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Baked in a savory tomato basil sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
-
20 large pasta shells
-
1 lb lean ground beef
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
-
½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
-
1 large egg, beaten
-
2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and oregano and cook for another minute.
-
Stir in ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture.
-
Spread a thin layer of tomato basil sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and cover with the remaining sauce.
-
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the shells and cover the dish with foil.
-
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
-
For a lighter version, consider using lean ground turkey.
-
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
-
Feel free to use gluten-free pasta shells if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg