Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling – Delishovia Recipes

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Looking for a delicious and comforting meal? Look no further! These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet, brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Add cooked ground beef to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
  • Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
  • Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Popular Questions:

  • Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

    • A: Yes, you can certainly substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.

  • Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

    • A: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried oregano for a more vibrant flavor, just be sure to adjust the quantity.

  • Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    • A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Helpful Tips:

  • Top with fresh basil before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked and crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
  • Use a piping bag to easily fill the pasta shells with the beef and cheese mixture.

Expert Secrets:

  • Cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
  • Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top before baking.

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