Description
Delicious slow-cooked stuffed shells filled with creamy ricotta, savory beef, and topped with rich marinara and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 Jumbo Pasta Shells
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Small Onion, Diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Jar (24 oz) Marinara Sauce
- 1 Cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 ½ Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Black Pepper to Taste
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Jumbo Shells: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until slightly firm (about 7 minutes), removing them from heat. Drain and let them cool for handling.
- Brown the Beef: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella until well blended. Then, gently fold in the cooked beef mixture.
- Stuff the Shells Generously: Using a spoon, fill each shell with the delicious cheese-beef mixture. Don’t be shy; make sure they are generously filled!
- Layer the Marinara Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle with Mozzarella: Top the shells with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that ultimate cheesy finish.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving hot.
Notes
For make-ahead options, prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Ensure not to overcook the shells initially to avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg