Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
1/2 lb ground beef or sausage
1 jar marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Meat Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, add marinara sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes. -
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. -
Stuff the Shells:
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish. -
Assemble the Dish:
Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired. -
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
-
Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat sauce for a hearty vegetable marinara sauce and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the cheese mixture.
-
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle hot Italian sausage into the cheese mixture.
-
Extra Cheese: Mix extra shredded mozzarella into the meat sauce or top with more cheese before baking.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells for a gluten-free version.
-
Herb Boost: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh thyme to the cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
