Easy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A hearty Italian-American classic featuring tender jumbo shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Robust flavor meets convenience for family-friendly meals.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Parboil jumbo shells for 2-3 minutes, drain, and set aside
In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat
In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of pepper
Spoon half the marinara into a 9×13-inch baking dish
Fill each shell with the beef-ricotta mixture and place in the dish
Pour remaining marinara over the shells and top with mozzarella cheese
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden
Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Notes
For best results, use fresh marinara sauce for acidity balance
Substitute vegan mozzarella and egg-free binder (like cornstarch slurry) for vegan version
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until baking
Freezes well before baking; add 5-10 minutes to baking time when frozen
Find it online: https://kindeat.com/easy-baked-beef-and-ricotta-stuffed-shells/