Hello, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, you’re in the right place. Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling combines the savory flavors of seasoned beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella into one irresistible meal. It’s easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!
Introduction
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the best of pasta and cheesy comfort food. This recipe elevates the traditional version with a rich beef filling and a creamy ricotta mixture that blends perfectly with marinara sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family, this recipe promises to impress. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or prepping in advance for guests.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
How to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside to cool. Cooling them will make them easier to handle when stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from heat. This flavorful beef mixture will act as the savory topping for the stuffed shells.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture will serve as the filling for the pasta shells, adding a rich and creamy contrast to the beef topping.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Be generous but don’t overfill, as the shells need to hold their shape. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Beef Mixture
Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, spoon the beef and marinara mixture over the top. Make sure each shell gets a hearty amount of the beef sauce for the best flavor.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the shells. This cheesy topping will melt and become golden-brown, creating a beautiful and delicious crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to bubble and brown slightly, creating a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy your Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling!
Helpful Tips
- Cook the pasta shells al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them initially may result in overly soft shells.
- For extra flavor, season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes while browning.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste. You can even make your own if time allows.
Cooking Tips
- To make this dish ahead, prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off to fill the shells easily and neatly.
- For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, makes the perfect complement to this hearty dish. If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving these shells as the main course alongside an antipasto platter or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 8%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 12%
This dish provides a balanced meal, rich in protein and calcium, while remaining satisfying and flavorful.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave on medium power.
Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a meat-free version.
What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
If jumbo shells are unavailable, use lasagna noodles to create roll-ups with the ricotta mixture, or layer the ingredients in a baking dish for a casserole-style dish.
Related Recipes
- Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti
- Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Conclusion
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Try this recipe today and watch it become a favorite in your household. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you—happy cooking!