Beef Stuffed Shells Delight

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pasta:
Cook jumbo shells in generously salted water for about 8 minutes until al dente, not fully soft. They’ll continue cooking in the oven. Immediately rinse with cold water after draining to stop cooking and make them easier to handle.

Brown the beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 7 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally. The browning creates rich flavor so don’t rush this step.

Create the sauce:
Drain excess fat from skillet then add marinara sauce to the beef, stirring to combine completely. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld together.

Mix the filling:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with beaten egg, Italian seasoning, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until completely incorporated into a smooth mixture.

Assemble the shells:
Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of ricotta mixture into each cooked shell, being careful not to tear them. Place filled shells in a baking dish that has been lightly coated with a thin layer of marinara sauce.

Add toppings:
Spoon beef marinara mixture over and around stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is partially covered. Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake to perfection:
Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and beginning to brown at edges.