Try This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe Today

Tucking savory ricotta beef into delicate pasta shells creates a comfort dish that hugs your taste buds with warmth.

Pasta lovers know the magic of perfectly blended ingredients nestled inside tender shells.

Melted cheese and rich beef combine in a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Generous portions promise to fill hungry bellies and spark conversations around the dinner table.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through creamy textures and robust seasonings.

Dive in and savor every delicious moment of this irresistible meal.

What Makes Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells So Good

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: A delightful twist on classic pasta dishes that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Perfect for personalizing with extra herbs, different cheeses, or adding veggies to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where hearty, cheesy pasta is guaranteed to make everyone happy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients for Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base that provides the main protein for the stuffed shells.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy and rich cheese blend that adds depth and smoothness to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a velvety texture to the sauce.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.

• Pasta Shells: Large shells that create the perfect vessel for holding the delicious beef and cheese filling.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides a tangy and traditional Italian flavor.

• Garlic, Parsley, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium flame. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color.

Make sure to break up the meat into small, delicious crumbles. Once cooked, drain away any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Create the Cheesy Filling

• Cooked ground beef
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks perfectly blended and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Shells

Take your cooked pasta shells and carefully fill each one with the scrumptious beef and cheese mixture.

Use a spoon to gently pack the filling, ensuring each shell is generously stuffed.

Step 4: Whip Up the Luxurious Sauce

In a saucepan, blend marinara sauce, heavy cream, and additional Parmesan cheese.

Warm the sauce over medium heat, stirring until it becomes smooth and the cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Crank up your oven to 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Nestle the stuffed shells into the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top, making sure every shell gets some love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling and the cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Pro Tips for Rich and Flavorful Stuffed Shells

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent watery filling and ensure a rich, concentrated meat flavor.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother mixing and better blending with other ingredients.
• Select high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade for deeper, more authentic taste.
• Opt for fresh herbs like parsley or basil to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like pecorino or fontina for unique taste variations.

Flavor Variations for Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all cheese and sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap marinara for salsa, include taco seasoning in beef mixture, and top with cilantro for a zesty southwestern-style preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves, keeping the cheese and beef filling for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.

Best Pairings with Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the beef and cuts through the creamy cheese.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with arugula, basil, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh parsley to soak up the delicious marinara cream sauce and add textural variety.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned with herbs to add nutritional balance and bring vibrant colors to the plate.

How to Store Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, rich texture and helps bind the filling together, making it an essential ingredient for creating a smooth and delicious stuffed shells mixture.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be excellent substitutes for beef, offering similar protein content and allowing you to customize the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can work as a replacement, though fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor. If you don’t have either, you can omit it without significantly impacting the overall taste of the dish.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delectable Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells promise a hearty Italian-inspired comfort meal that delights pasta enthusiasts. Melted cheese, rich beef, and tender shells create a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg

Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (0.5 cups for filling, 0.5 cups for topping) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, ensuring no pink remains. Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture.
2. Create the filling by blending cooked beef with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed and form a cohesive mixture.
3. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, then carefully stuff each shell with the prepared beef and cheese mixture, filling generously but not overpacking.
4. Craft the sauce by combining marinara, heavy cream, and Parmesan in a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat, stirring consistently until ingredients meld and sauce becomes smooth and heated through.
5. Preheat oven to 375F. Spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer, ensuring they are closely nestled.
6. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the shells, allowing it to cascade between and around the pasta. The sauce should nearly cover the shells but not completely submerge them.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for even cooking. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles around edges.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is fully cooked and drained to prevent excess grease in the final dish.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother, easier mixing and better incorporation with other ingredients.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary needs.
• Make the dish ahead by preparing and assembling stuffed shells in advance, then refrigerating until ready to bake, which enhances flavor development and saves time during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg