A hearty and comforting dish combining tender pasta shells with savory ground meat and creamy ricotta, creating layers of deliciousness topped with bubbling cheese.

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Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake

Introduction

Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. This hearty dish combines tender pasta shells with savory ground meat, a zesty marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta, creating a meal that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to serve. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavor, but in its simplicity—no stuffing shells, just layers of deliciousness that are sure to please at any gathering.

Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish brings a warmth to the table that makes everyone feel at home. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, all while impressing your friends and family. With a golden, bubbly cheese topping and fresh basil garnishing each serving, Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake is a dish that promises smiles and satisfaction.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

A variety of ingredients ready for preparation.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the meat, stirring until combined.
5. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
6. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Layer half of the cooked pasta shells in the baking dish, filled with the ricotta mixture.
8. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta shells and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat the layering with the rest of the pasta shells, meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed vegetables or lentils instead of meat.
• Optional Variations: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also mix in some ricotta with herbs for added taste.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This dish brings warmth to the dinner table, perfect for sharing!

Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake

A hearty and comforting dish combining tender pasta shells with savory ground meat and creamy ricotta, creating layers of deliciousness topped with bubbling cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Pasta and Meat Mixture

• 12 oz pasta shells Use large pasta shells for best results.
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups ricotta cheese Mix with salt and pepper before layering.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve half for topping.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.

Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish Optional.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the meat, stirring until combined.

Layering and Baking

• In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
• In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
• Layer half of the cooked pasta shells in the baking dish, filled with the ricotta mixture.
• Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta shells and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layering with the rest of the pasta shells, meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For vegetarian variation, use sautéed vegetables or lentils instead of meat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Keyword comfort food, Italian Recipe, Pasta Bake, Unstuffed Shells

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