The Perfect Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe For Dinner

Tender pasta shells nestled with savory beef create a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises comfort in every bite.

Pasta lovers appreciate how each shell bursts with rich, hearty flavors.

Ricotta’s creamy texture perfectly complements the robust ground beef mixture.

Stuffed shells represent a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes.

Cheese and meat intertwine, creating a delectable balance that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Small shells cradle a delicious blend of ingredients, making each forkful irresistible.

This recipe invites you to experience a delightful culinary adventure that will become a new dinner favorite.

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 season it well to maintain flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese and mild marinara sauce make this dish appealing to children. The stuffed shells are fun to eat and packed with protein.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, choose low-fat ricotta, and incorporate some finely chopped spinach into the cheese mixture for added nutrients.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Are a Classic Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Food: Indulge in a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's delicious core.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the shells ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planned family gatherings with minimal last-minute stress.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, straightforward preparation, and a complete protein-packed meal that appeals to both kids and adults, turning dinner into a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Filling

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells that create perfect pockets for holding the delicious beef and cheese filling.

• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful protein base for the stuffed shells.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy tomato flavor that complements the beef and cheese.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth filling with a mild, slightly sweet taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a stretchy, golden top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty note to enhance the overall flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and provides structure to the filling.

• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

How to Prepare Beef-Stuffed Shells Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta shells in salted water following the package guidelines.

Once cooked, drain and let them cool down completely.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook until it turns brown and crispy. Carefully drain away any extra fat.

Pour in marinara sauce and mix well, then set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Take each cooled pasta shell and generously fill it with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in a baking dish.

Step 5: Layer with Meat and Cheese

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

Tips for Creamy and Delicious Stuffed Shells Every Time

• Perfectly drain pasta shells to prevent water-logged texture and ensure ideal filling consistency.
• Mix ricotta with egg beforehand to create smoother, creamier filling that binds ingredients together.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create lighter, healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with herbs like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the overall taste profile and add depth to the marinara sauce.
• Allow shells to cool slightly before filling to prevent burning and make handling easier during assembly.

Variations to Customize Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that keeps the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Shells: Substitute marinara with salsa, use pepper jack cheese, and add taco seasoning to ground beef for a zesty southwestern spin.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, cheesy filling.

What Pairs Well with Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich beef and creamy cheese flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with its tannic structure.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the hearty pasta shells and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Serve Garlic Bread on Side: Prepare crusty garlic bread brushed with olive oil and herbs to soak up the marinara sauce and add extra texture to the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Proper Storage for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.

Place individual shells on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for extra deliciousness.

Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent beef-stuffed shells bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich ricotta and hearty meat. Cheese-draped pasta pockets promise a delightful meal that will satisfy cravings and warm hearts in just one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce and Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Binding:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare large pasta shells according to package directions, ensuring they are cooked al dente. Carefully drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain off excess fat and stir in marinara sauce until meat is evenly coated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Create the ricotta filling by mixing ricotta cheese with egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
4. Generously stuff each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, placing them seam-side up in a prepared baking dish.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top of the beef-covered shells.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
9. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the filling and make serving easier.

Notes

• Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Pat the ground beef dry before browning to achieve a better sear and develop deeper flavor.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid in the final dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg