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Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking Dish
  • Spoon for stuffing shells

Ingredients
  

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta Shells

  1. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Beef Mixture

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
    ground beef sizzling as it cooks

Mix the Filling

  1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir in the cooled beef mixture to create a creamy and beef filling.
    mixing bowl filled with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a single egg yolk

Stuff the Shells

  1. Fill each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the beef mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.

Assemble the Dish

  1. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.

Bake

  1. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Serve

  1. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with garlic bread or a crisp salad!