Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is your ticket to flavor heaven. These jumbo pasta shells are packed with a rich mixture of savory beef and creamy ricotta cheese, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for that ooey-gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests at your next gathering, these stuffed shells bring together all the best Italian flavors in one satisfying bite. You’re going to love how easy and delicious this meal is!

Why You’ll Love Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a favorite:

Comfort Food at Its Best

Who can resist stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and beef filling, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that just feels like home.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to eat. It’s a real time-saver!

Feeds a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a filling meal for the family, this recipe is easy to double or triple. It’s always a hit and will leave everyone satisfied.

Budget-Friendly

Using simple, accessible ingredients, this dish is easy on the wallet while still offering an indulgent, restaurant-worthy experience. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy great food!

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling so irresistible:

Main Ingredients:

• Jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel for stuffing, these large shells hold a generous amount of filling and bake to a soft, tender texture.
• Ground beef: A flavorful and hearty base for the filling. It’s seasoned perfectly to bring out the best flavors when combined with the creamy ricotta.
• Ricotta cheese: The creamy goodness that makes this dish so decadent. It pairs perfectly with the beef and adds that signature creamy texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the key to getting that irresistible cheesy topping when the shells bake.
• Parmesan cheese: A must for extra flavor in the filling and for a little sprinkle on top before baking.

For the Sauce:

• Marinara sauce: The classic base for this dish. You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s the perfect complement to the stuffed shells.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and richness to the marinara sauce and the filling.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and garlic, olive oil gives a nice richness without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh basil (optional): For a fresh, aromatic touch to finish the sauce.

Seasonings:

• Salt & pepper: Essential to enhance the flavors of the beef, ricotta, and sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the filling and sauce that classic Italian flavor.

Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the shells to cook evenly and get that perfect golden, bubbly top.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions (about 9-11 minutes). Drain the pasta and set them aside to cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook them—you want them firm enough to hold the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat, then add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Spoon a generous amount of the beef and ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Be sure not to overstuff, as the filling should be packed nicely but not overflowing.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate pan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add in the remaining garlic and fresh basil (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Arrange the Shells in a Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, and then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Once the shells are beautifully baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if you’d like!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 500-600 (depending on portion size and cheese used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

These stuffed shells are a meal on their own, but here are a few ideas for sides to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp and tangy Caesar salad is a refreshing complement to the rich and cheesy stuffed shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus are wonderful sides to balance out the dish.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a little heat if you like it spicy.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for beef.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble the shells and store them in the freezer before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these shells ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can use any type of large pasta like manicotti or even regular penne if that’s what you have on hand.

Q3: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer cottage cheese, feel free to substitute it. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can even add more cheese for extra richness.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Q6: How can I make these shells healthier?
A6: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and low-fat ricotta to make a lighter version of this dish.

Q7: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A7: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade marinara sauce, feel free to use it in place of store-bought. It’ll make the dish even more personal and flavorful.

Q8: How do I make sure the shells don’t stick together when cooking?
A8: Be sure to cook the shells in plenty of salted water, and stir occasionally to keep them separated. Once cooked, let them cool slightly to prevent sticking.

Q9: Can I add more cheese?
A9: Yes! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra mozzarella, Parmesan, or even provolone for an even cheesier experience.

Q10: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a must-try comfort food classic that brings the best of Italian flavors to your table. With their rich, creamy filling and savory marinara sauce, every bite is a taste of cozy bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a night in, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

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