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Cheesy Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Ricotta, Ground Beef, and Marinara Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

A comforting Italian-American classic, Cheesy Stuffed Jumbo Shells are pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, baked in a savory beef and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with various cheeses or made vegetarian.

Ingredients

Main Components

  • 24 Jumbo pasta shells
  • 450g Ground beef
  • 710ml Marinara sauce

Aromatics and Seasoning

  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 5ml Salt
  • 2.5ml Black pepper
  • 5ml Paprika
  • 5ml Italian herbs

Ricotta Filling

  • 425g Ricotta cheese
  • 1 large Egg
  • 120ml Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 60ml Dried parsley
  • 1.25ml Garlic powder

Topping and Garnish

  • 225g Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Dried parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and cook pasta shells: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and allow it to cool slightly to make handling easier.
  2. Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Cook until beef is fully cooked and crumbled, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add marinara sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer while you prepare the filling.
  4. Make the ricotta filling: In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and garlic powder until thoroughly combined.
  5. Stuff the pasta shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are well-filled.
  6. Assemble in baking dish: Spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells neatly in the dish and pour remaining sauce over them evenly.
  7. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Cover with foil if a softer cheese texture is desired, or bake uncovered for a crispier topping.
  8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with dried parsley and allow the shells to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Prepare shells and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble before baking.
  • Freezing: Assemble shells in baking dish and freeze before baking. Thaw completely in refrigerator before baking.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
  • Lighter Option: Use part-skim ricotta or replace half ricotta with cream cheese to reduce fat.
  • Cheese Variations: Try provolone or asiago cheese for different flavor profiles.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or Italian red wine for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/cheesy-stuffed-jumbo-shells-with-ricotta-ground-beef-and-marinara-recipe/