Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

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Introduction

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a hearty and satisfying Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta and beef mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This comfort food classic is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The creamy ricotta adds a luscious texture, while the savory beef brings depth and heartiness to every bite. Paired with a flavorful marinara sauce and gooey cheese topping, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of bubbling marinara and melted cheese, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The combination of the creamy ricotta filling and the hearty beef made it an instant hit. What I love about this dish is how customizable it is—you can add fresh spinach or herbs like basil and parsley to the filling for an extra burst of flavor or even use spicy sausage instead of beef for a bolder twist.

These stuffed shells are surprisingly easy to make, too. With a little prep work to cook the shells and mix the filling, the rest is as simple as assembling and baking. The result is a bubbling tray of cheesy, saucy goodness that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is sure to be a hit every time!

Perfect for:

  • Cozy family dinners
  • Potlucks
  • Celebrations or holidays
  • Italian food lovers
  • Freezer meal prepping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Rich, Creamy Filling: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a deliciously creamy and cheesy filling.
  • Hearty and Satisfying: Ground beef adds a savory depth that makes the dish a filling main course.
  • Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe with different proteins, sauces, or seasonings.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for busy days.
  • Elegant Yet Easy: It looks and tastes fancy, but it’s simple enough for anyone to make.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce and Topping:

  • 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Pasta:

  • 20-25 jumbo pasta shells

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ricotta Cheese: The star of the filling, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor.
  • Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and a savory depth to the dish.
  • Marinara Sauce: A tangy, tomato-based sauce that ties the dish together.
  • Pasta Shells: Perfect for holding the rich, cheesy filling.
  • Mozzarella and Parmesan: Essential for the gooey, cheesy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta:

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Mix the Ricotta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, and the cooked beef. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Fill the Shells: Spoon the ricotta and beef mixture into each pasta shell, filling them generously.
  3. Layer the Sauce: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce in a single layer.
  4. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.

Bake the Dish:

  1. Bake the Shells: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

How to Serve

  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce.
  • As a Main Course: This dish is filling enough to be served on its own.
  • Family-Style Serving: Place the baking dish on the table and let everyone serve themselves.
  • For Leftovers: Reheat portions in the oven or microwave for an easy next-day meal.

Additional Tips

  • Cook the pasta shells al dente to avoid overcooking them in the oven.
  • Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
  • Double the recipe and freeze one batch for future use.
  • Substitute ground turkey, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative for the beef.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  2. Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  3. Vegan Stuffed Shells with Tofu Ricotta
  4. Alfredo Sauce Stuffed Shells
  5. Chicken Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  6. Pesto Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  7. Spicy Arrabbiata Stuffed Shells
  8. Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells (ricotta, mozzarella, provolone)
  9. Shrimp and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  10. Bacon and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet for cooking beef
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, omit the beef and add spinach or mushrooms instead.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely, try provolone, asiago, or even goat cheese.
  3. Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  4. Can I use a different pasta shape? Large manicotti or cannelloni work well as substitutes.
  5. Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Rich, creamy, and utterly comforting, Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a dish that’s sure to impress. With tender pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful blend of ricotta cheese and seasoned beef, all baked in a luscious sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these stuffed shells deliver on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Each bite offers cheesy, savory goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I’d love to see how your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

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