Ingredients:
- For the Beef Filling:
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 🍚 1 cup cooked rice (optional for extra filling)
- 🌿 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Ricotta Filling:
- 🧀 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🍳 1 large egg
- 🌿 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly:
- 🍝 12-15 large pasta shells, cooked and drained
- 🍅 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 🧀 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
🔪 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the beef filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice (if using), fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the ricotta filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Assemble the shells:
- Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- Then, stuff each shell with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
- Assemble the dish:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting & Hearty: Perfect for a family meal, these beef-stuffed shells are packed with flavor and make for a filling, satisfying dinner.
- Two Layers of Cheese: With creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, every bite is indulgent!
- Simple to Make: Despite being a bit indulgent, this dish is easy to prepare and assemble with simple ingredients.