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Golden Tender Stuffed Shells | 55-Min Cozy Warm Hearty Family Pasta

Best Golden Tender Stuffed Shells Easy Family Pasta Recipe

Golden tender stuffed shells make the perfect cozy comfort pasta for family dinners. This hearty stuffed shells recipe is ready in 55 minutes. Try it today.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food Recipes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large pasta shells
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 1 cup beef broth

Method
 

  1. Cook the large pasta shells according to package directions, then drain and set aside to cool slightly. This prevents them from becoming too soft when you're filling them later.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add diced onion and minced garlic. Brown the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until no pink remains, then drain excess fat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated throughout.
  4. Gently fold the cooked beef mixture into the cheese filling, then add fresh parsley and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  5. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese and beef mixture using a small spoon, placing filled shells seam-side up in the prepared baking dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with beef broth to keep everything moist.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the golden tender stuffed shells recipe is bubbling and the cheese on top begins to brown slightly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly and make plating easier.