Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
A deliciously comforting dish featuring tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese, seasoned ground beef, and Pecorino Romano. Baked in a rich tomato basil sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, this pasta bake is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain them and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Stuff and Assemble: Spread 1 cup of tomato basil sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or using a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese on top.
Nutrition
Serving: 300gCalories: 450kcal
Love this recipe?Follow us at @thenandnowspace for more