Description
The Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are a delightful comfort food that brings family and friends together. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, each bite is an explosion of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add jumbo shells, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic powder and basil.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Add the cooled beef mixture.
- Generously fill each shell with the cheese and beef mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce in the baking dish, arrange filled shells on top, pour more sauce over them, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover for the last five minutes to brown the cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg