Baked Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
6 ounces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion
chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
or my homemade meat sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and prepare a 9 X 13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
- 2
Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
- 3
Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and warm over medium heat.
- 4
Sautée the garlic and onion until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- 5
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until brown.
- 6
Pour in the pasta sauce and simmer on low until ready to use.
- 7
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Mix well.
- 8
Place 1/3 of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 9
Fill each shell with the filling and place into the baking dish.
- 10
Pour remaining meat sauce over the shells and cover the pan with tin foil.
- 11
Bake for 30 minutes.
- 12
Remove tin foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the shells. Return to oven to bake uncovered for another 5 - 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Baked Stuffed Shells
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About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate comfort food experience that satisfies everyone at the table? These Baked Stuffed Shells deliver an incredibly rich and cheesy pasta dish that feels gourmet, yet is simple enough for any weeknight.
What makes these stuffed pasta shells truly special is the generous filling of three distinct cheeses—creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and savory Parmesan—creating a luscious core, perfectly complemented by a hearty meat sauce. Each jumbo shell is baked to golden brown perfection, ensuring every bite is utterly irresistible.
Prepare yourself for a delightful meal where tender jumbo pasta shells cradle a savory cheese mixture. The rich, seasoned ground beef pasta sauce blankets each shell, adding depth and a hearty counterpoint to the creamy filling. Topped with even more melted mozzarella, this dish promises a symphony of textures and flavors—from the yielding pasta to the gooey cheese and robust sauce—creating a truly satisfying eating experience that will have you coming back for seconds.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe features classic ground beef in the sauce, you could easily adapt it. Consider using ground Italian sausage for a different flavor profile, or even ground turkey for a leaner option. For a delicious vegetarian twist, simply omit the meat from the sauce and bulk it up with extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
These Baked Stuffed Shells are a fantastic centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal shared with friends. Serve alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete this heartwarming meal.