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Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Easy
John

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

These cheesy stuffed shells with ground beef are baked in a rich marinara sauce and loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing pan)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and the cooked beef. Mix until well combined.
  4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the filling and place them in the dish.
  5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for less grease. You can also substitute half of the meat with Italian sausage for extra flavor. Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Nutrition Information:
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 30g