Scrumptious Cheesy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets culinary creativity in these delectable ricotta beef stuffed shells that promise a mouthwatering dining experience.

Shells packed with savory ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese create a hearty meal bursting with flavor.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of rich, melted cheese and seasoned meat nestled within tender pasta.

The robust filling transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight meals never looked this impressive or tasted this delicious.

Families will love gathering around the table to enjoy this classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure culinary satisfaction with this irresistible pasta dish.

Ingredients That Fill Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and hold shape during cooking.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking and adds subtle flavor, use extra virgin for best taste.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base providing hearty flavor, select lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy binding ingredient creating smooth texture, choose fresh full-fat ricotta for richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully creating stringy texture, opt for shredded version for easy mixing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp tangy depth, select freshly grated for most intense flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure, use room temperature egg for smoother incorporation.

• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, choose fresh minced garlic for most potent taste.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb adding earthy undertones, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Dried Basil: Sweet herbal note complementing tomato sauce, store in airtight container to maintain flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning enhancing overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper.
• Marinara Sauce: Foundational tomato sauce, select high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious creamy texture, use full-fat version for richest result.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish adding color and fresh finish, chop just before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Tools to Bake Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Easily

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells with enough water.
• Skillet: Needed to brown and cook ground beef with seasonings.
• Mixing bowl: Used for combining ricotta cheese and other filling ingredients.
• Baking dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for arranging and baking stuffed shells.
• Saucepan: Helps heat and mix marinara sauce with cream.
• Spoon: Crucial for mixing ingredients and stuffing shells.
• Colander: For draining cooked pasta shells.
• Foil: Covers baking dish during initial baking.
• Cheese grater: Optional for shredding mozzarella if not pre-shredded.

How to Fill and Bake Beef Stuffed Shells

• Boil Pasta Shells

Get a big pot of water bubbling with salt. Toss in jumbo pasta shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and give them a quick olive oil splash to keep them from sticking together.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces. Sprinkle in garlic and herbs, letting the aroma fill your kitchen. Cook until the meat is beautifully browned and full of flavor.

• Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

Whisk ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together in a large bowl. Crack in an egg and blend until smooth. Fold in the seasoned beef, creating a decadent filling that’ll make mouths water.

• Assemble the Shells

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375F. Gently stuff each shell with the rich beef and cheese mixture. Nestle them close together in a baking dish, ready for their final transformation.

• Craft Dreamy Sauce

Simmer marinara in a pan, then splash in some heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes silky and luxurious. Pour this heavenly mixture over the stuffed shells, ensuring every shell gets a perfect coating.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and let it bake until everything is heated through and bubbling. Uncover, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and return to the oven until the cheese turns golden and irresistible.

• Finish and Feast

Pull out your masterpiece and shower with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive into this comfort food paradise.

Tips for Perfect Texture in Ricotta Stuffed Pasta

• Pro Tips and Tasty Twists
• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent soggy pasta. Test shells by tasting for a slight firmness to ensure they don't fall apart when stuffing.
• Choose ground beef with 85-90% lean meat for a perfect balance of flavor and reduced greasiness. Drain excess fat thoroughly to keep the filling light and delicious.
• Swap ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu ricotta for a dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain the cheesy flavor profile.
• Replace jumbo shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves for a low-carb alternative. Use cauliflower rice as a side to keep the meal keto-friendly.
• Assemble the entire dish up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from cold storage.

Serve Stuffed Shells with Salad or Garlic Bread

• Pasta Night Perfection: Pair this hearty dish with simple, fresh sides that complement its rich flavors.
• Garden Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. The fresh, zesty greens will cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Garlic Bread Delight: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy marinara sauce. Toasted with butter and herbs, it's the perfect companion to your stuffed shells.
• Wine Pairing Elegance: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the beef and tomato flavors. The wine's acidity will beautifully complement the creamy, cheesy pasta dish.

Store These Shells for Delicious Reheats

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Carefully wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For frozen shells, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
• Separate shells into single-serving containers before storing. This method makes quick meals easier, reduces waste, and allows for convenient grab-and-go lunches or dinners during busy weeks.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just make sure to season it well and cook it thoroughly for the best flavor.

• How do I prevent the shells from tearing when stuffing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Use a small spoon to carefully fill each shell, avoiding overstuffing which can cause them to split.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta delivers a hearty Italian-American comfort dish packed with rich flavors. Generous portions of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook jumbo shells until al dente. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Meat Infusion: Sauté ground beef in a skillet, breaking into crumbles. Integrate herbs and seasonings, developing robust flavor profile. Drain excess fat to ensure lean mixture.
3. Cheese Fusion: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and egg into a creamy blend. Incorporate seasoned beef, creating a harmonious filling that marries protein and dairy elements.
4. Assembly Technique: Preheat oven to 375°F. Meticulously stuff pasta shells with ricotta-beef mixture, arranging them strategically in a baking dish.
5. Sauce Transformation: Elevate marinara by whisking in heavy cream, creating a silky, luxurious sauce. Generously drape sauce over stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Baking Process: Cover with foil and roast for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Uncover, sprinkle additional mozzarella, and bake an extra 5 minutes to achieve golden, bubbling perfection.
7. Final Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic culinary creation.

Notes

• Prevent Shell Sticking: Toss cooked shells with olive oil and separate immediately to stop them from clumping together, ensuring easy filling and neat presentation.
• Beef Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles for even cooking and maximum flavor development without burning.
• Cheese Mixture Consistency: Mix cheese ingredients thoroughly but gently to maintain a smooth texture without overworking, which can make the filling dense and tough.
• Sauce Balance: Whisk cream into marinara slowly and consistently to create a silky, even sauce that coats shells perfectly without separating or becoming too runny.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg