PCLinuxOS Recipe Corner Bonus: Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

INGREDIENTS:

1 Box jumbo pasta shells, cooked to al dente per instructions
15 Ounces ricotta cheese
24 Ounces marinara sauce, homemade or jar
1 Pound ground beef, browned
4 Ounces provolone, shredded
4 Ounces mozzarella, shredded
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 Teaspoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon onion powder
1 egg
¾ Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste
parsley, fresh, optional for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook shells according to directions for al dente firmness. This will help the shells to hold their shape and not tear while stuffing. They will finish cooking in the oven.

In a medium pan, cook the ground beef and drain the extra grease. Set aside.

Combine the mozzarella and provolone cheese, or use a pre-packaged shredded cheese mix.

In a medium bowl, add the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of provolone/mozzarella cheese mix, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Add the cooled ground beef to the ricotta mixture and combine.

Spray the 9×13 pan with cooking spray.

Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan.

Take a cooked shell and, using a large spoon, approximately 1/8 cup (you can use your best judgment on how much exactly) of the beef/Ricotta mixture to the inside of the shell.

Lay the stuffed shell in the pan and repeat the process, laying each one next to each other until all shells are filled.

Take the remaining sauce and pour it around the shells.

Use the remaining shredded cheese to cover the shells.

Cover the dish with foil and place in the center of the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes and then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown.

Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

NOTES:

Simple and easy to make. It is certain to be a big hit with the family. So Good!

NUTRITION:

Calories: 555    Carbs: 40g    Sodium: 839mg    Fiber: 3g    Protein:33g