Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Family Dinner
📝 Description
Say goodbye to boring pasta nights! These jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a savory, seasoned ground beef filling, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, and topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 1 box (12 oz) Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb Ground beef (lean)
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
The Cheesy Filling:
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
- 1 Large egg (to bind the cheese)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano & 1 tsp Dried basil
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
The Topping:
- 2 cups Marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or extra Mozzarella
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- Boil the Shells: Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and rinse with cool water so they don’t stick.
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1/2 cup of marinara sauce to keep the meat moist.
- Mix the Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and spices.
- Stuff the Shells: Spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture into each shell, then top it with a generous spoonful of the cooked beef.
- Layer & Bake: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells inside. Pour the remaining sauce over them and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- The Final Touch: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
