Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells: A Homestyle Pasta Recipe

Shells bursting with creamy ricotta beef create a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that promises pure comfort.

Melted cheese and savory meat nestle perfectly inside delicate pasta pockets.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich flavors and textures.

Traditional recipes often miss the mark, but this version brings excitement to your dinner table.

Robust ground beef mingles with smooth ricotta for an irresistible combination.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet spectacular meal.

Make these stuffed shells and watch everyone around the table smile with delight.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I prevent the pasta shells from tearing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently when filling. Slightly undercooking ensures they stay sturdy and won’t fall apart during stuffing.

Why Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Work

• Simplify Dessert Making: Transform a basic cake mix into a decadent treat with minimal ingredients and steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Combine the rich flavors of chocolate, toffee, and sweetened condensed milk for a dessert that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Suitable for potlucks, bake sales, game day parties, or a sweet weekend surprise that requires no advanced baking techniques.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: Requires just a few minutes of preparation, making it an ideal solution for sudden sugar cravings or last-minute dessert needs.

Ingredients for Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with a delicious beef and ricotta mixture.

• Ground Beef: Protein-rich base that adds hearty flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a gooey, stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and complexity to the filling.
• Egg: Binding ingredient that helps hold the filling together.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh garnish and subtle flavor.

How to Make Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some serious pasta magic.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells following package instructions until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet and cook ground beef until it’s beautifully browned.

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Beaten egg
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooled beef mixture

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the rich beef and ricotta mixture.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.

Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Enjoy your mouthwatering beef stuffed shells!

Helpful Notes for Ricotta Beef Shells

• Choose jumbo shells for easier stuffing and better sauce absorption.
• Allow beef mixture to cool slightly before mixing with ricotta to prevent egg scrambling.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the filling.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for lighter options.
• Prepare shells ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal prep.

Flavor Twists for Ricotta Beef Shells Fans

• Veggie Lovers' Shell: Replace ground beef with roasted zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version packed with garden-fresh flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Shell: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and mix in black beans for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired Shell: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped olives, and swap marinara for a light tomato and herb sauce for a Greek-style experience.
• Chicken Alternative Shell: Use ground chicken instead of beef, mix in some fresh sage, and add a hint of nutmeg for a lighter protein option.

Best Ways to Serve Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve these rich, cheesy stuffed shells with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring these shells to a gathering in a portable dish, keeping them warm in a slow cooker to impress friends and family with minimal effort.
• Italian-Inspired Date Night: Plate the shells with a drizzle of extra marinara, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and pair with a bold red wine for a romantic dinner at home.
• Leftovers Lunch Upgrade: Pack the shells in meal prep containers for a gourmet workday lunch that reheats beautifully and beats boring sandwiches.

How to Store Ricotta Beef Shells Properly

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to keep the pasta moist and prevent sticking.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipev

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, hearty flavors. Cheese-laden pasta shells nestle seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (454 g)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 g)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce (473 ml)
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a preheated oven at 375F (190C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature for the pasta dish.
2. Boil pasta shells until tender, then carefully drain and set aside, allowing them to cool slightly for easier handling.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, incorporating aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Allow the seasoned beef mixture to cool down, preventing egg scrambling when combining with other ingredients.
5. Create a rich filling by blending ricotta, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and the cooled beef mixture until well incorporated.
6. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared beef and ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Spread a base layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial moisture.
8. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly over the sauce, creating an organized presentation.
9. Generously top the shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells, creating a golden, melty topping.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning.
12. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a vibrant, fresh touch to the dish.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for spice lovers.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Pre-cook shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Drain ricotta cheese on paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating a creamier and less watery filling.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg