Homemade Stuffed Shells
Homemade Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs, all baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. This classic recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ pound jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion – finely chopped
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoon Italian herbs
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella – shredded (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese – grated (plus more for topping)
- 1 egg – beaten
- Optional: Frozen chopped spinach
Instructions
-
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta in boiling water for about 1 minute less than the package suggests. Drain and run cool water over the shells to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle Italian herbs over the beef and stir in 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce, then remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix well, then combine with the beef mixture.
- Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish and spread the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom. Spoon the filling carefully into each shell and arrange them on the sauce. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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