Beef Stuffed Shells with Rich Ricotta Filling
Beef Stuffed Shells with Rich Ricotta Filling is a luxurious, comforting dish that brings together tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, each bite is a delightful mix of flavors topped with gooey mozzarella and marinara sauce. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (thick and chunky)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cooked beef with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish with marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Pour remaining marinara over stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg