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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, then carefully stuff each shell with the prepared beef and cheese mixture, filling generously but not overpacking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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