Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting and hearty dish that will make your home smell delightful while it bakes. This recipe combines tender jumbo pasta shells, a creamy ricotta cheese filling, and savory ground beef topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy meal for two. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and incredibly satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to try Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. First, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for both kids and adults. Second, it’s simple to put together. Each step is straightforward, so you don’t need advanced cooking skills. Lastly, it’s a great option for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. It’s hearty, loaded with protein, and absolutely delicious.
This recipe also offers a balance of creamy and savory flavors with a touch of Italian seasoning. Whether you’re feeding family, cooking for guests, or simply treating yourself, Beef-Stuffed Shells will leave everyone wanting seconds.

How to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Making this dish doesn’t require fancy tools or advanced techniques. It’s all about assembling a few key ingredients and letting your oven do the rest. Below, we’ll break down each part of the recipe so you’ll breeze through the process with confidence.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Follow these steps to create this flavorful dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain them, then set them aside to cool slightly.
3. While the pasta shells are cooling, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, mix it with the beef, and set it aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
5. Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with the ricotta mixture using a spoon. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, arranging them neatly.
6. Spoon the beef and marinara mixture over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell gets a generous amount.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
10. Serve the dish hot and enjoy every bite!
    By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to impress your family or guests.

How to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

You can serve these beef-stuffed shells as the main dish, and they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the creamy, cheesy shells. Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce on your plate. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
For a complete Italian-inspired meal, you can also serve these shells with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of classic minestrone soup. Pair the meal with your favorite glass of red wine or a sparkling non-alcoholic drink for a special touch.

How to Store Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Storing leftovers is a breeze. Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer the shells to an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place the shells in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
If you’d like to freeze it, this recipe is freezer-friendly. Assemble the stuffed shells (but don’t bake them yet!) in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, place the dish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45–50 minutes, adding extra time as needed to ensure it’s heated through.

Tips to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Want to ensure your dish turns out perfectly? Follow these tips:

1. Don’t overcook the pasta shells when boiling them. Slightly undercooked shells (al dente) hold their shape better when stuffed.
2. Use high-quality cheese. Fresh mozzarella and Parmesan will make the flavors more authentic and rich.
3. Season the ricotta mixture to taste. If you like extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
4. Grease your baking dish lightly. This prevents the shells from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
5. Layer the ingredients in advance for faster assembly. Prepping cooked pasta, browned beef, and the ricotta filling ahead of time can make the process smoother.
   With attention to these small details, your stuffed shells will turn out irresistible every time.

Variations

This recipe is flexible, so you can switch things up if you prefer:

1. Vegetarian Option – Skip the ground beef and replace it with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even lentils. Add extra marinara sauce to keep it flavorful.
2. Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick.
3. Cheese Lovers’ Delight – Add some shredded provolone or Asiago cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
4. Turkey or Chicken Substitute – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist.
   Feel free to experiment and adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Beef-Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just follow the baking instructions when you’re ready to cook.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the shells from breaking?

When boiling the pasta shells, make sure to stir gently and don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook them just until al dente to help them stay intact. Handling them with care while filling also helps.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for this recipe, but if you can’t find them, you can use cooked manicotti or cannelloni and fill them the same way.

4. What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as an alternative. Blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture before mixing it with the other ingredients.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensuring your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Chopped spinach, zucchini, or diced mushrooms can be mixed into the ricotta filling or layered with the beef mixture for a nutrient boost.

Conclusion

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a dish packed with flavor and warmth. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. From the creamy ricotta filling to the cheesy topping, every bite is worth savoring. Try this recipe today and treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting meal that will surely become a household favorite!
All done! The article is ready and packed with all the sections you requested. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to tweak or add!