Ground Beef Shell Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in a way that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 large pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until combined.
Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the st￭ shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the heavy cream until well combined. Pour the sauce evenly over the st￭ shells.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
