Madison County Department of Job & Family Services - Administration

08/18/2026

Closed all day for an all staff training.
We will resume normal office hours Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

07/13/2026

# # # 🧀🍝 Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells Bake

Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory seasoned beef and creamy cheese mixture, nestled in rich marinara sauce, and topped with plenty of gooey melted mozzarella. This comforting baked pasta is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you're craving a cozy Italian-inspired meal.

# # # # 📝 Ingredients

* 1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1 small onion, finely diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 1½ cups ricotta cheese
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

# # # # 👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds and remove from the heat.

4. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Fold in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.

5. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

6. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.

7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan.

8. Cover with foil and bake for **25 minutes**. Remove the foil and bake for an additional **10–15 minutes**, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

# # # # 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm garlic bread, breadsticks, or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, finish with grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of garlic butter. This cheesy stuffed shells bake also makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully for an easy make-ahead dinner.

07/13/2026

# # # 🧀🍝 Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake

This **Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake** is a hearty, family-friendly casserole layered with tender cheese ravioli, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It's an effortless dinner that tastes like homemade lasagna with a fraction of the work.

# # # # 📝 Ingredients

* 2 (25-ounce) bags frozen cheese ravioli
* 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara or spaghetti sauce
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

# # # # 👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to **375°F (190°C)** and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.

3. Pour one jar of marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

4. Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer. Top with half of the meat sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

6. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for **35 minutes**. Remove the foil and bake for an additional **10–15 minutes**, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

8. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

# # # # 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm garlic bread, buttery breadsticks, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes for even more flavor. This casserole also freezes and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

07/13/2026

Mashed Potato Bowls 🥔🍗🧀✨
Ingredients
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
2 cups popcorn chicken
1 cup corn
1 cup chicken gravy
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked bacon pieces
Green onions
Instructions
Bake popcorn chicken according to package directions.
Heat mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn.
Spoon mashed potatoes into serving bowls.
Add corn.
Top with popcorn chicken.
Pour hot gravy over everything.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Garnish with bacon and green onions.
Serve immediately.

07/13/2026

07/08/2026

🎶 Enjoy a live "music of the Revolutionary War" concert with the Lafferty Pike Trio on Thursday, July 16th at 6:30 p.m.! 🎶

Join the Lafferty Pike Trio as they bring to life the music of the Revolutionary War on harp, fiddle, and guitar. Enjoy tavern tunes, witty parodies, poignant ballads, selections from popular plays, and favorite songs of the Founders. Plus, attendees earn an extra ticket for Grand Prize Drawings!

07/08/2026

Another week, another chance to connect, learn, and have some fun at the Mt. Sterling Community Center! ☀️

From our Summer Youth Program and Creative Little Explorers to the Food Pantry, Sewing, WIC, TOPS, and more, there's something happening all week long.

Check out this week's schedule and come see us!

07/08/2026

Call today to enroll with Early Childhood Programs! 740-852-7189

06/26/2026

Madison County Department of Job and Family Services will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026. In observance of Independence Day!
Enjoy celebrating America and Stay Safe. 🦅