Hearty Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

Savory beef-stuffed shells capture the essence of hearty Italian-American comfort cuisine in every delectable bite.

Pasta pockets bursting with rich, seasoned ground meat and silky ricotta cheese.

Traditional recipes pale in comparison to this mouthwatering creation that promises pure satisfaction.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will absolutely adore this remarkable dish.

Each shell becomes a delightful treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular on your dinner plate.

Grab a fork and prepare for an unforgettable culinary adventure that will make you the star of any meal.

Why You’ll Love Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This stuffed shells recipe delivers a rich, satisfying meal packed with protein and melted cheese that wraps you in pure comfort food warmth.
• Quick Family-Friendly Feast: Easily prepared in under an hour, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar Italian-inspired flavors and crowd-pleasing ingredients.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: The recipe allows flexible cooking methods, letting you customize fillings, adjust spice levels, and create a delicious one-pan meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Using basic pantry staples like ground beef, pasta shells, and common cheeses, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary, restaurant-quality dinner that feels gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills.

Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Ingredients

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, ideal for holding rich fillings and creating a hearty main dish.

• Ground Beef: Protein-rich base that adds savory flavor and substance to the dish, choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Onion: Provides aromatic depth and sweetness to the meat mixture, fresh yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and enhances the overall taste profile of the beef mixture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling, opt for full-fat version for best texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, gooey texture, choose fresh or part-skim varieties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that complements the other ingredients, freshly grated is recommended.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure to the filling.

• Basil: Fresh herb that adds a bright, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, clean taste and adds a pop of green color.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the stuffed shells.

Instructions for Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Gently drop in the jumbo shells and cook them until they’re perfectly tender. Once done, drain the water and give the shells a quick rinse under cool water. Set them aside to cool down.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Beef Base

Heat up a large skillet on the stove. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onions. Let them sizzle and dance together until the beef turns a rich brown and the onions become soft and translucent. Sprinkle in some minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything around for another minute to blend the flavors. Take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Chopped fresh basil
• Chopped fresh parsley

Fold in the cooled beef mixture until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Oven

Crank up the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish like little boats. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure every shell gets some love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh basil or parsley leaves. Serve these delicious stuffed shells piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tip: These shells taste even better the next day, so don’t worry about leftovers!

Tips to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Easier

• Perfect Shell Selection: Choose jumbo pasta shells that are large enough to hold substantial filling, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
• Prevent Soggy Shells: Rinse cooked shells under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy when baking.
• Enhance Beef Flavor: Season ground beef generously with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like oregano to boost the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute ricotta with tofu or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

How to Store Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled beef-stuffed shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F, cover stuffed shells with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents drying out.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until completely warmed, stirring halfway through.

Perfect Matches for Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti perfectly complements the rich beef and creamy ricotta, balancing the dish's hearty flavors with its full-bodied tannic structure.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Serve a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, adding bright, refreshing notes that contrast the heavy pasta shells.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread provides the ideal textural counterpoint, helping to soak up the extra marinara sauce and adding a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Herb-Roasted Vegetable Accent: Prepare a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with fresh rosemary and thyme to add color, nutrition, and a light vegetable element to balance the protein-packed shells.

Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe Variations

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo and add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with fresh salsa.
• Mediterranean Lamb Shells: Swap beef for ground lamb, incorporate oregano, mint, and crumbled feta cheese into the ricotta filling. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce before serving.
• Vegetarian Spinach Shells: Substitute beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and roasted garlic. Mix ricotta with nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein. Garnish with toasted pine nuts.
• Italian Sausage Shells: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, add fennel seeds and red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Mix roasted red peppers into the ricotta filling for added depth.

Questions About Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Are jumbo shells necessary for this recipe?

Absolutely! Jumbo shells are key because they provide the perfect pocket to hold the delicious beef and ricotta mixture. Regular pasta shapes won’t work as well for stuffing.

• Can I use lean ground beef?

Yes, lean ground beef works great. It helps reduce overall fat content while still maintaining delicious flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the filling from becoming too greasy.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids usually love cheesy pasta dishes with meat. The combination of beef, creamy ricotta, and marinara sauce creates a crowd-pleasing meal that most children will enjoy. The mild seasonings make it tasty without being too spicy.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and as long as you can brown meat and follow basic cooking instructions, you’ll successfully create a delicious meal. The most important skills are measuring ingredients and following the step-by-step process.

Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling bring Italian comfort to your dinner table. Rich pasta pockets nestled with seasoned ground beef and smooth cheese promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce:

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare jumbo pasta shells in a generously salted water bath, cooking until they reach a tender al dente texture. Gently drain and cool the shells under a stream of cold water, then set aside to prevent further cooking.
2. In a spacious skillet, brown ground beef with finely chopped onions, creating a rich and fragrant base. Introduce minced garlic to the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile. Allow the mixture to cool slightly after removing from heat.
3. Create a luxurious ricotta blend by combining smooth ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a whisked egg, and fresh chopped herbs like basil and parsley. Fold the seasoned beef mixture into the creamy cheese base, ensuring a thorough and even distribution.
4. Heat the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the robust beef and ricotta mixture, nestling them snugly in the sauce-lined pan. Generously drape the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese, returning to the oven for a final 10-minute cooking period until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Garnish with delicate fresh herb leaves if desired, and serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal warmth and creamy texture.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells carefully to ensure they can hold the beef and ricotta mixture without breaking during cooking.
• Test shell tenderness by tasting a shell before draining; they should be firm but flexible for easy stuffing.
• Rinse shells with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Pat shells dry with paper towels to help the filling adhere better and prevent excess moisture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the final dish.
• Drain beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent a watery filling.
• Mix ricotta filling gently to maintain a light, creamy texture.
• Allow beef mixture to cool slightly before mixing with ricotta to prevent scrambling the egg.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the beef mixture for increased nutrition.
• Prepare shells ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months, wrapping tightly to prevent freezer burn.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg