Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are jumbo shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese and nestled in a rich meat sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This is a cozy, comforting family dinner that can be assembled in advance!

Prep Time20

Cook Time50

Total Time1 10

Course: Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 689kcal

Author: Marcie

Ingredients

6 ounces jumbo shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 lbs. grass fed ground beef I used 82% lean
1 onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
3 cups homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store bought brand
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup freshly chopped basil sub with your favorite fresh herbs
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
chopped fresh basil for serving; optional

Instructions

Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain well in a colander, then spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
6 ounces jumbo shells
Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and break it into chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 minutes or until almost cooked through, then add the onion and garlic and cook 5 minutes longer until the onion has softened. Drain excess grease as needed.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1.5 lbs. grass fed ground beef, 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic
Add the marinara sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
3 cups homemade marinara sauce
Grease a 9x13" baking dish and spread half of the meat sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Set aside.
Place the ricotta cheese in a medium bowl. Add the egg and stir well to combine. Add the parmesan cheese and basil and stir until incorporated.
15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil
Fill each jumbo shell with the ricotta mixture and place the stuffed shells in the baking dish with the meat sauce. Cover the shells with the remaining meat sauce, then top with the mozzarella cheese.
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Bake covered with foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Serve topped with freshly chopped basil as desired and enjoy!
chopped fresh basil

Notes

Pro tip: Prepare the meat sauce in advance or assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it!
Sub the ground beef with your favorite ground meat such as turkey or Italian sausage.
Add some greens to your meal by using the spinach and ricotta filling from my spinach and ricotta stuffed shells!
Store stuffed shells with ground beef in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition