Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a delectable dish that combines the comforting flavors of Italian-American cuisine with a convenient, easy-to-make recipe. This hearty meal features large pasta shells st￭ with a savory ground beef mixture, coated in a creamy tomato sauce, and baked to perfection with a golden cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners, this dish embodies the essence of cozy, comforting meals that bring everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 large pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce or homemade pasta sauce
1 cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the st￭ pasta shells.
Cook the pasta shells: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the shells: Carefully spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell, placing them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish as you go.
Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce with heavy cream and red pepper flakes until well blended. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the st￭ shells in the baking dish.
Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells and drizzle the remaining sauce over the cheese.
Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
