Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Feel free to make this recipe your own. If you prefer, ground turkey can be a leaner substitute for the beef, and adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it an extra kick.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Mix until smooth, then fold in the beef mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-beef mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
- Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International