Description
This creamy beef shells recipe is a comforting, indulgent dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender pasta shells are filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. The creamy texture and flavorful beef will make this dish a new favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the cooked pasta shells, placing them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once all the shells are filled, pour any remaining sauce from the skillet over the shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and add a bit more ricotta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef shells, Creamy pasta, Baked pasta, Stuffed shells, Comfort food, Pasta bake, Beef and cheese
