Description
A delicious and comforting dish of jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese and topped with a savory meat sauce and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 20 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool slightly for handling.
- Heat a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking up beef, until browned.
- Drain excess grease from beef. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer on low heat while preparing filling.
- Combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Using a spoon, fill each cooled shell with ricotta mixture, approximately 1.5 to 2 spoonfuls each. Note that some shells may tear; about 21 shells are needed for the skillet.
- Nestle filled shells into meat sauce in the skillet, opening side up. If using a baking dish, transfer sauce and shells accordingly. Gently press shells into sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the arranged shells.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. For crispy edges, bake uncovered; cover with foil if softer texture is preferred.
- Remove from oven once cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle dried parsley for color. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure shells are cooked al dente for better texture after baking.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 mg