There’s something magical about stuffed pasta. Each shell is like a little pocket of happiness, packed with rich, savory beef and creamy ricotta, then smothered in a luscious marinara sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest warm, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavors. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Let’s dive into why this dish is about to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
This dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it ideal for meal planning. It also works for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, accessible ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet while delivering gourmet-level flavors.
Quick and Easy
Though it looks fancy, this recipe comes together with minimal effort. A few simple steps, and you have a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Customizable
You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your dietary preferences. Try ground turkey instead of beef, add spinach for extra greens, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Here’s the magic of this dish it’s made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of rich, comforting flavors. Let’s break it down:
Jumbo Pasta Shells
The perfect vessel to hold all that delicious filling. They become tender and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef
Savory and hearty, beef adds a rich, meaty bite to balance out the creamy ricotta. If you prefer, you can swap it with ground turkey or sausage.
Ricotta Cheese
This is where the creaminess comes in! Ricotta creates a velvety, smooth filling that melts in your mouth.
Parmesan Cheese
Nutty, salty, and full of umami, Parmesan adds depth to the filling and the final dish.
Mozzarella Cheese
For that gooey, melty, irresistible cheesy goodness on top.
Marinara Sauce
A bright and tangy tomato sauce that brings everything together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own from scratch.
Garlic and Onion
These aromatics add a flavorful punch and make the dish even more delicious.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs that gives the dish its signature Italian flair.
Egg
Helps bind the ricotta filling together for a perfect texture.
Fresh Basil or Parsley
For a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil the shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
Prepare the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it cool slightly.
Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, an egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooled ground beef mixture.
Stuff the Shells
Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the beef and ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
Add the Sauce and Cheese
Pour marinara sauce over the shells, covering them evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for that melty, cheesy finish.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven until bubbling and heated through. Remove the foil in the last few minutes for a golden, cheesy crust.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top and serve warm. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
How to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Garlic bread or homemade focaccia to soak up the extra sauce.
- A glass of red wine for an elevated dinner experience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: 350-400 calories (depends on ingredients)
Preparation Time
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes beautifully! Just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and good-quality ricotta make a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t overstuff: A little filling goes a long way overstuffed shells might burst open while baking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well as substitutes for beef.
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious meat-free version.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? Yes, but blend it first for a smoother texture.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish a day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
How do I reheat leftovers? Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells? Yes! Freeze before baking, then bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What’s the best way to cook pasta shells without breaking them? Boil them until just al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat.
Can I use store-bought marinara? Of course! Choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.
What can I do with leftovers? Stuffed shells taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container and enjoy later.
Conclusion
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to any table. With its rich flavors, cheesy goodness, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling, a comforting and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Large pasta shells filled with seasoned beef and creamy ricotta, topped with marinara sauce it’s a dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Stuff each cooked shell with a generous amount of the beef mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for more flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg