Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with oil and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain them and set aside.

Step 3

For the meat sauce, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the seasonings: salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Saute until the meat is browned and cooked through.

Step 4

Remove 3/4 of the meat and set it aside. To the remaining meat, add the marinara sauce and cook for 2 minutes until well combined. Set aside for later use as the meat sauce.

Step 5

For the filling, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the reserved 3/4 portion of cooked meat to the ricotta cheese mixture and mix until well combined.

Step 7

Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the prepared cheese and meat mixture, using about 2 tablespoons per shell. Repeat with the remaining shells.

Step 8

In the greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce (about ¾ cup). Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9

Bake the stuffed shells for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dish is heated through.

Step 10

Garnish with parsley before serving.