The Best Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Love

Pasta shells brimming with a savory ricotta beef mixture promise a delightful culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty Italian-inspired dish.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating layers of rich, satisfying flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum satisfaction, proving that home cooking can be both easy and spectacular.

Grab a fork and prepare to be transported to a world of delicious possibilities that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Advice for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when thoroughly heated.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excessive grease while maintaining good flavor and moisture in the stuffed shells.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a good substitute if you don’t have ricotta. It provides similar creaminess and texture to the filling.

• Is it necessary to cool the beef before mixing with cheese?

Yes, cooling prevents the egg from scrambling and helps blend the ingredients more evenly. Let the beef cool for about 5-10 minutes before mixing.

• How can I prevent the shells from sticking together when cooking?

After draining, rinse pasta shells with cold water and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent them from clumping or tearing when stuffing.

What Makes Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells So Delicious

• Satisfy Hunger Pangs: A mouthwatering dish that combines hearty ground beef with creamy ricotta in perfectly cooked jumbo shells, guaranteed to fill up hungry bellies.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic Italian-inspired meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allowing quick modifications like adding vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create the perfect vessel for holding the delicious beef and ricotta filling.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides a hearty and savory base for the stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a smooth and rich texture to the filling.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden and stretchy topping for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the filling ingredients together.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the ground beef.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté the garlic and brown the beef.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spices that season and enhance the meat mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and additional flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Fresh Basil: Herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh, bright note to the final dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will create the perfect environment for baking your delicious shells.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Gently drain and set them aside, ready for their cheesy filling.

Step 3: Sizzle Garlic

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it releases its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Cook Savory Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Remove from heat and let it cool down slightly.

Step 5: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• One egg
• Cooled beef mixture

Stir until everything hugs together perfectly.

Step 6: Stuff the Shells

Generously fill each cooked pasta shell with the rich beef and cheese mixture. Nestle them snugly in a baking dish.

Step 7: Add Saucy Topping

Cascade marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. In the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese turn golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tips for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Drain Shells Thoroughly: Pat cooked pasta shells completely dry to prevent excess water from making the filling soggy and diluting the rich flavors.
• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select 90% lean ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more refined filling texture.
• Mix Cheese Gently: Fold ricotta and other cheeses softly to maintain a light, creamy consistency without overworking the mixture.
• Control Seasoning Carefully: Add Italian seasoning gradually and taste the filling to ensure a balanced, not overwhelming, flavor profile.
• Prevent Burning: Keep an eye on the cheese topping during the final 10 minutes of uncovered baking to achieve golden browning without scorching.

Variation Suggestions for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Shell Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, maintaining the creamy ricotta texture while creating a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Swap pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats or bell pepper halves, keeping the rich beef and cheese filling for a lighter option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, chopped olives, and swap marinara with spicy arrabbiata sauce to create a zestier Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Plate: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or replace shells with cauliflower rounds, ensuring the recipe remains accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the dish's savory profile.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta, adding freshness and providing a zesty contrast to the rich stuffed shells.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra marinara sauce, offering a crunchy texture and additional garlic notes that echo the recipe's seasoning.
• Match with Sparkling Water with Citrus: Add a slice of lemon or lime to sparkling water, providing a clean, palate-cleansing effect that helps refresh the mouth between bites of the hearty pasta dish.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent beef and creamy ricotta blend perfectly in these irresistible stuffed shells. Comfort meets Italian-inspired cuisine with tender pasta pockets that promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking.
2. Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring they maintain a slight firmness. Carefully drain and set aside to cool.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden.
4. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, browning thoroughly while breaking into small crumbles. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Remove from heat and allow slight cooling.
5. Create the filling by blending ricotta, half the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, whisked egg, and cooled seasoned beef. Mix until completely uniform.
6. Gently fill each pasta shell with the ricotta-beef mixture, arranging them snugly in a prepared baking dish.
7. Generously ladle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover during the final 10 minutes to allow cheese to develop a golden, slightly crispy surface.
9. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves as a vibrant, aromatic garnish before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by sautéing garlic until golden brown and releasing its aromatic essence, which deepens the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and drained to prevent excess grease, creating a lighter and more appetizing filling.
• Choose high-quality ricotta cheese for a creamier texture and consider using part-skim varieties for a healthier alternative without compromising richness.
• Customize the recipe by experimenting with different herbs like oregano or thyme, or adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg