Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

Big, cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—this is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with a hearty beef and creamy ricotta mixture, all nestled into a bed of marinara and baked until bubbly and golden. Sounds dreamy, right? Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just craving some serious comfort food, these beef stuffed shells are about to become your new go-to. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s like a warm hug in a dish.

Why You’ll Love Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

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: Perfect for weeknights or special occasions—it fits both vibes beautifully.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but taste like a million bucks.
Quick and Easy: No overly complicated steps, just mix, fill, and bake.
Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or use ground turkey instead of beef.
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 in Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s all about a few quality components working together like a dream.

Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for holding all that delicious filling. They bake up tender and satisfying.

Ground Beef: Savory and hearty, the beef gives the filling its rich, meaty flavor.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, slightly sweet, and smooth—it balances the meatiness with a luscious texture.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top, adding that irresistible cheese pull.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that makes everything pop.

Egg: Helps bind the filling together, keeping everything snug and creamy inside the shells.

Marinara Sauce: Tangy, savory, and just the right amount of sweetness to bring balance to the dish.

Garlic & Onion: These two add depth and aroma, giving your filling that comforting Italian flair.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together with those classic cozy vibes.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil your jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Don’t overcook—they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned and fragrant. Drain excess grease and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a greased baking dish. This keeps the shells moist and full of flavor.

Assemble the Dish: Fill each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, then place them snugly into the baking dish. Pour more marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Finishing Touches: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and the flavors come together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side salad or crusty bread, this meal is pure comfort in every bite.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 460

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A crisp Caesar or garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or warm baguette slices for that satisfying crunch
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make it ahead: Stuff the shells and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: Assemble and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen with an extra 15–20 minutes.
• Double it: This dish is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Add greens: Mix in some chopped spinach or kale to the filling for a veggie boost.
• Sauce swap: Try a creamy Alfredo or pink sauce for a twist.
• Cheese options: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter version.
• Don’t overstuff: Fill the shells just enough to close slightly—this helps them bake evenly.
• Use a piping bag: It makes stuffing the shells quicker and less messy.
• Let it rest: Giving the dish time to settle after baking keeps it from falling apart.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds freshness and color.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze beef stuffed shells?
   Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives.
4. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
   Cottage cheese or a blend of ricotta and cream cheese both work well.
5. Do I need to cook the shells all the way before stuffing?
   Nope, just cook them until al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
6. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
   Yes, chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great in the mix.
7. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
   Toss them with a little olive oil after boiling, or lay them out separately to cool.
8. How long can leftovers be stored?
   Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
9. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
   Yes! If you have a favorite homemade sauce, it’ll elevate the dish even more.
10. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
    Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil, or microwave individual portions.

Conclusion

Beef stuffed shells with ricotta are the kind of dish that makes dinner feel extra special without the stress. They’re hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a comforting plate of something cheesy and wonderful, this recipe has your back. So grab your ingredients, turn on the oven, and get ready to fall in love—one stuffed shell at a time.

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