Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the cooled meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell with the cheese and meat mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use large, fresh jumbo shells to make stuffing easier.
- Ensure the cheese mixture isn’t too runny—drain excess liquid if needed.
- For a richer flavor, add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
- Make ahead by preparing the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerating before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Main Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
