and a detailed description for a recipe that includes ricotta cheese and ground beef.
**Title:** Best Ricotta Cheese Ground Beef Recipes for Delicious Family DinnersWhen it comes to creating hearty and delicious meals for your family, few ing……
**Title:** Best Ricotta Cheese Ground Beef Recipes for Delicious Family Dinners
When it comes to creating hearty and delicious meals for your family, few ingredients combine as perfectly as ricotta cheese and ground beef. This dynamic duo can be used to create a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Below, we will explore one of the best ricotta cheese ground beef recipes that you can easily make at home.
**Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese and Ground Beef**
This classic Italian-inspired dish is a family favorite and perfect for any dinner occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and tangy marinara sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 pound of large pasta shells
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta Shells:** Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. **Mix the Ricotta Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add the cooled ground beef mixture to the ricotta mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
4. **Stuff the Shells:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it generously with the ricotta and ground beef mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
5. **Bake the Dish:** Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
This ricotta cheese ground beef recipe for stuffed shells is sure to become a staple in your household. The creamy ricotta and savory ground beef filling pairs perfectly with the tender pasta shells and rich marinara sauce. Plus, it's a versatile dish that can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal with your family, these stuffed shells are a fantastic choice. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for great leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week. So, next time you're looking for a meal that combines the best of both worlds—ricotta cheese and ground beef—give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!