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Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

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Comforting and hearty stuffed pasta shells filled with ground beef, ricotta, and topped with gooey cheeses.

Ingredients

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  • ½ pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup spaghetti sauce (for filling)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup spaghetti sauce (for the baking dish)
  • Extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Arrange the shells on a baking sheet to dry.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the Italian seasoning and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined. Add the slightly cooled beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom. Fill each pasta shell with the cheesy beef mixture, using a spoon to pack it tightly. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan cheese over the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, uncover during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Can be frozen for up to two months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/cheesy-beef-stuffed-shells/