Description
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-inspired dish filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and topped with tangy marinara and gooey mozzarella. A gluten-free crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 large gluten-free pasta shells
For the Filling:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce & Toppings:
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to a large mixing bowl. Add ricotta, Parmesan, ½ cup mozzarella, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the stuffed shells rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or cooked lentils.
- Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a flavor variation.
- Try using different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a twist on the traditional ricotta filling.
- For a creamy alternative to marinara, try pesto or white sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
