Cozy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor
You know those meals that make you sigh with happiness after the first bite? This is one of them. Beef and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells are like a warm, cheesy hug straight from the oven. Imagine jumbo pasta shells filled to the brim with a rich blend of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and herbs, all snuggled into a bed of marinara and baked until bubbly and golden. Pure comfort, no fuss.
Itโs the kind of dish that makes any night feel specialโwithout needing hours in the kitchen. Whether youโre cooking for the fam or prepping ahead for a cozy weekend dinner, this recipeโs a guaranteed win. Plus, leftovers? Even better the next day.
Why Youโll Love Beef and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells
Versatile: Perfect for a cozy dinner or for feeding a crowd.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, filling ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Prepped in under 30 minutesโthen let the oven do the magic.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or make it spicyโwhatever you like.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, even picky eatersโthis dish gets rave reviews every time.
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Ingredients in Beef and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells
Hereโs what makes this comforting classic shine:
Filling
Ground Beef: Savory, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds a rich, smooth texture to the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and meltyโsome goes inside, some on top.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and adds depth.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
Garlic & Onion: Aromatic base that boosts the beefโs flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt & Pepper: Because seasoning matters.
Pasta & Sauce
Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for holding all that cheesy goodness.
Marinara Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemadeโsmooth, rich, and tomatoey.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh finish.
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Combine Ingredients
In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it cool slightly before mixing with ricotta, egg, mozzarella, and a handful of parmesan.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. This keeps the shells moist and flavorful.
Assemble the Dish
Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each cooked shell and arrange them neatly in the baking dish. Once all shells are stuffed and placed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Cook to Perfection
Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10โ15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Finishing Touches
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after bakingโthis helps everything set up and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop onto plates and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad. So satisfying and seriously delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 480 (varies by sauce and cheese amounts)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Beef and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells
This hearty dish shines all on its own, but hereโs how to take it to the next level:
Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
Simple Salad: A light green salad balances the richness.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients.
Wine Pairing: A bold red like Chianti or Zinfandel works beautifully.
Additional Tips
Cook Shells Al Dente: Theyโll soften more while baking.
Donโt Overstuff: A generous spoonful is enoughโtoo full and theyโll fall apart.
Use Leftover Sauce: This is a great way to use up that half-jar in the fridge.
Make Ahead: Assemble earlier in the day, then bake when ready to eat.
Freeze Friendly: Perfect for freezing before or after baking for future meals.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work as leaner alternatives.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Just skip the meat and add sautรฉed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini to the ricotta mix.
Q3: What if I donโt have ricotta?
A3: Cottage cheese is a good substitute, or a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella in a pinch.
Q4: Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
A4: Definitely. Freeze before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Q5: How long do leftovers last?
A5: Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Q6: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A6: Manicotti works well too, or layer the filling and sauce in lasagna noodles if needed.
Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or two. Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Q8: How can I make it spicier?
A8: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat or stir some into the sauce.
Q9: Should I cover the dish while baking?
A9: Yes, at first to keep moisture inโthen uncover to let the top get bubbly and golden.
Q10: What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
A10: Try provolone, fontina, or even a smoky gouda for something different.
Conclusion
Beef and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells are the definition of comfort food done right. Rich, creamy, saucy, and satisfyingly cheesy, theyโre easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. This is one of those recipes youโll keep in your back pocket foreverโbecause when a meal tastes this good and comes together this easily, why wouldnโt you make it again and again?
Print
Beef and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella โ a comforting, Italian-inspired dinner classic.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3โ4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place in the dish, open side up.
- Top the shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
- Use store-bought marinara or your favorite homemade sauce.
- Let the shells cool slightly before serving for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 stuffed shells
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg