Cheesy Beef and Shells Bake
A creamy oven-baked dish combining jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, and marinara sauce, filled generously for a delightful family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling Ingredients
- 12 oz Jumbo pasta shells Dry shells
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 Large egg
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced Reserved for topping
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste Add after combining sauces and cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Once the shells are cooked, carefully drain them and let them cool slightly.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and some cooked ground beef.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the stuffed shells on top.
- Pour additional marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate promptly in covered containers. A chilled dish needs additional oven time; cover loosely at first if the topping colors before the center heats.