Description
The Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells Delight offers a splendid fusion of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich cheeses, enveloped in a vibrant tomato basil sauce. This dish stands out as a perfect choice for both family dinners and warm gatherings, delivering comfort and heartiness with every bite.
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Once partially cooked, add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring until the beef is fully cooked and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the cooled beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble the Shells
Spread 1 cup of tomato basil sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each precooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture, and arrange them in the dish.
6. Final Touches
Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
Allow the baked shells to cool slightly, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. The total preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 35 minutes, totaling about 55 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked shells in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, covered, on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
The Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells Delight is not only a feast for the senses but also an easy and rewarding dish to prepare. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a cherished recipe for any occasion that calls for a hearty, homemade meal. Whether serving this comforting dish to your family or friends, it promises to be a delightful culinary experience.
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Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
The Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells Delight offers a splendid fusion of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich cheeses, enveloped in a vibrant tomato basil sauce. This dish stands out as a perfect choice for both family dinners and warm gatherings, delivering comfort and heartiness with every bite.
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 rac{1}{2} cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- rac{1}{2} cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 rac{1}{2} cups tomato basil sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Once partially cooked, add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring until the beef is fully cooked and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooled beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Shells: Spread 1 cup of tomato basil sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each precooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture, and arrange them in the dish.
- Final Touches: Pour the remaining 1 rac{1}{2} cups of tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining rac{1}{2} cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Baking: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the baked shells to cool slightly, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes