Beef Ricotta Shells Bake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 large egg, whisked.
02 -
20 jumbo pasta shells.
03 -
1 cup smooth ricotta cheese.
04 -
½ cup Pecorino Romano, finely grated.
05 -
1 lb ground beef, lean.
06 -
Salt and pepper for seasoning.
07 -
1 tsp oregano, dried.
08 -
2 minced garlic cloves.
09 -
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (split for use).
10 -
2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce.
11 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for decorating.
# Instructions:
01 -
Turn the oven on to 375°F (190°C).
02 -
Cook the shells in boiling salted water until they’re just tender. Drain and let them cool a bit.
03 -
In a pan on medium heat, cook the ground beef. Add oregano and garlic, letting the flavors blend. Take it off the heat to cool.
04 -
Mix the beef (once cooled) with ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, beaten egg, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
05 -
Spread 1 cup of tomato basil sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
06 -
Stuff the cooked shells with the cheesy beef mix and arrange them snugly inside the dish.
07 -
Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over the shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
08 -
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melty and golden.
09 -
Top with parsley and enjoy while it’s warm.
# Notes:
01 -
This comforting meal is perfect for sharing with loved ones at special dinners or big gatherings.
02 -
Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey instead! Just tweak the spices to match the lighter flavor.