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Cheesy Baked Jumbo Shells Stuffed with Ground Beef and Creamy Ricotta


  • Author: Sarah White
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Jumbo pasta shells filled with savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  •  1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic for 1–2 minutes.

  3. Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, then remove from heat.

  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, beaten egg, and optional herbs. Fold in cooked beef mixture.

  5. Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef-ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.

  6. Pour remaining marinara over shells and top with shredded mozzarella.

  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. Pair with a green salad and garlic bread.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian