Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells 🐚🥩🧀
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
- Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and lay them flat on baking paper so they don’t stick together. 🐚
- Cook the Savory Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the ricotta cheese until melted and creamy. 🥩
- Prep the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. 🥫
- Stuff & Layer:
- Generously spoon the warm beef mixture into each cooked pasta shell using a spoon.
- Arrange the stuffed shells open-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over top and cover generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. 🧀
- Bake to Bubbly Perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. ⏲️🔥
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over top and serve hot! 🌿😋
