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–+ servings
recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing ground beef ricotta cheese pasta shells marinara sauce mozzarella cheese parmesan cheese italian seasoning garlic onion spinach zucchini mushrooms breadcrumbs eggs parsley fresh ingredients arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

A comforting, easy baked stuffed shells with ground beef that will make your house smell like love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces Pasta shells about 20-24 shells
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 pound Ground beef 85/15 works well
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce store bought or homemade
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese whole milk
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large Egg
  • 0.25 cup Parsley chopped fresh
  • 0.5 cup Spinach frozen, thawed and squeezed dry (optional but recommended)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet,
  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Preheat and prep
    Make the meat sauce
      Prepare the creamy ricotta filling
        Assemble the shells
          Bake and rest
            Serve and enjoy

              Nutrition

              Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25g

              Notes

              Don't overcook the shells. Cook them just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you want them to hold their shape. If they are too soft, they will tear when you fill them. Cool the meat mixture slightly. If you add hot meat to the ricotta, it can make the filling runny. Let it sit for a few minutes before assembling. Make ahead and freeze. Assemble the dish completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the covered time. Vegetarian variation. Omit the ground beef and use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. For extra protein, add cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. This healthy beef stuffed shells spin is also delicious. Spicy version. Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, or use a spicy marinara sauce with chili flakes. A pinch of cayenne in the ricotta filling gives it a gentle kick.
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