Hearty Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with these Hearty Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Jumbo Shells. Overflowing with a rich mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs, each shell is a delightful bundle of taste. The layers of melted mozzarella and zesty marinara bring the perfect balance, creating a meal that pleases the palate without overwhelming it. This pasta dish is not only a crowd-pleaser, often requested for buffet dinners, but it also embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
N/A
Servings
380
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
ricotta cheese
2 cups (none)
fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup (none)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (none)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
garlic
1/2 clove (minced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
basil
1/2 tablespoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried (none)
eggs
3 (none)
jumbo pasta shells
20 (none)
Prego spaghetti sauce
1 jar (none)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture, then sprinkle in the salt and stir well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, basil (fresh or dried), ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
5
Once the beef mixture has cooled, add it to the cheese mixture along with the eggs. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly blended.
6
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8
Stuff each pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture, placing them in a large baking dish as you go.
9
Pour the jar of Prego spaghetti sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
10
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a deliciously gooey finish.
11
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are heated through.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
36g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Hearty Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Jumbo Shells, a comforting pasta meal featuring beef, cheese, and marinara.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the shells?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the stuffed shells bake in the oven?
The shells should bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
What kind of pasta is used for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 20 jumbo pasta shells.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
There are 3 eggs used in the beef and cheese mixture.
Which three types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses ricotta cheese, fresh grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
What specific brand of spaghetti sauce is mentioned?
The recipe suggests using one jar of Prego spaghetti sauce.
How much ricotta cheese is needed for the stuffing?
You will need 2 cups of ricotta cheese.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1/2 tablespoon of fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
What are the calorie counts for a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 380 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 19g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe per serving?
The fat content is 20g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the pasta shells be fully cooked before stuffing?
The shells should be cooked until al dente according to package directions.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The 1/4 cup of onion should be finely chopped and sautéed.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 clove of minced garlic.
Should the baking dish be covered or uncovered?
The baking dish should be covered with aluminum foil during the baking process.
What is the purpose of rinsing the shells in cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and makes them easier to handle while stuffing.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated fresh Parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese goes on top?
1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are sprinkled over the top.
Is this recipe suitable for a buffet?
Yes, it is noted as a crowd-pleaser that is often requested for buffet dinners.
What herbs provide the aroma in the mixture?
Fresh chopped parsley and basil are used to provide aroma and flavor.
How long should you sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them until the onion is soft and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
Do you need to drain the beef after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the beef mixture before adding it to the cheese.
At what stage do you add the eggs?
The eggs are added after the beef mixture has cooled slightly and is being combined with the cheese mixture.
How much parsley should be prepared?
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley is required.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, stuffed shells, beef, dinner, comfort food, italian cuisine, casserole, and buffet.
How much salt is added to the beef mixture?
1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the beef.
What is the final step before putting the shells in the oven?
The final step is to sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered shells and cover the dish with foil.