Heavenly Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

Shells bursting with creamy ricotta beef stuffed pasta promise a delightful Italian-inspired feast that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender pasta pockets cradling rich, seasoned ground beef and smooth ricotta cheese.

Melted mozzarella blankets each shell, creating an irresistible golden crust that beckons you closer.

Herbs and spices whisper complexity into every single bite, transforming a simple dish into something magical.

Kitchen aromas will fill your home with warmth and comfort, signaling a meal everyone will remember.

Comfort meets creativity in this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary celebration.

You’ll want to pull up a chair and savor every single delicious forkful.

Side Dishes That Match Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A full-bodied Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly complements the rich beef and creamy ricotta, cutting through the dish's richness with its tannic structure.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta, adding a bright, zesty contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread becomes the ultimate sidekick, helping to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and providing a crunchy texture alongside the soft pasta shells.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to introduce additional depth and nutritional balance to this comfort food classic.

Tasty Twists On Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Mediterranean Shell Adventure: Swap ground beef with lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, mix in chopped spinach, and use oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace beef with seasoned ground turkey, incorporate black beans, mix in diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Garden Shells: Substitute beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use ricotta as the base, add extra herbs, and sprinkle with vegetarian Parmesan for a hearty meatless version.
• Chicken Pesto Fusion: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef, blend homemade pesto into the ricotta mixture, add sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil for an elegant touch.

FAQs On Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• What makes the beef and ricotta filling special in this recipe?

The combination of ground beef, ricotta, and herbs creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful stuffing that perfectly balances protein and cheese, giving the shells a delicious, comforting taste.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef, maintaining the same texture and allowing you to customize the recipe to your preference or dietary needs.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this dish is perfect for kids. The cheesy, meaty shells are typically a hit with children, and you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit their taste buds. The soft pasta and melted cheese make it an appealing meal for young eaters.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home cook?

This recipe is beginner-friendly and straightforward. With simple steps like browning meat, mixing ingredients, and baking, even novice cooks can successfully prepare these delicious stuffed shells without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Feels Like Comfort Food

• Indulge in Cheesy Comfort: A delightful pasta dish that combines creamy ricotta, savory beef, and melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Effortless Entertaining Magic: Simple preparation makes this recipe perfect for impressing guests or creating a quick family dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Flavor-Packed One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein-rich beef, creamy cheese, and zesty marinara sauce in a single, satisfying meal that pleases every palate.
• Quick and Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, with minimal prep time and maximum flavor potential that works for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, great for holding creamy fillings, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Classic combination for rich, savory filling, lean ground beef recommended for less grease, fresh garlic provides deeper flavor.

• Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy blend for luxurious texture, full-fat varieties provide best taste and melting quality, fresh cheeses preferred.

• Egg, Italian Seasoning, Parsley, Basil: Helps bind filling, adds herbal freshness, choose fresh herbs for vibrant flavor, dried Italian seasoning works well.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and additional flavor, homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce recommended.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhances overall taste of the dish, use kosher or sea salt for better flavor.

How To Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Step 1: Cook 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 let them dance in the water until they’re perfectly tender. Drain the shells and give them a quick cool bath under running water. Set them aside on a clean towel.

Step 2: Brown the Beefy Base

Heat up a large skillet and welcome the ground beef and chopped onions. Let them sizzle together, breaking up the beef and letting the onions turn soft and translucent. Around 5-7 minutes should do the trick. Toss in minced garlic for an extra flavor punch, stirring for about a minute. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down a bit.

Step 3: Create Creamy Ricotta Mixture

• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Whisked egg
• Italian seasoning
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)

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

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up the oven to 375F (190C). Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a saucy foundation.

Step 5: Stuff and Arrange Shells

Take each pasta shell and lovingly fill it with the ricotta-beef mixture. Nestle these stuffed shells into the saucy baking dish, making sure they’re sitting comfortably with their openings facing upward. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 25 minutes. Then, unveil the dish, sprinkle a shower of additional mozzarella on top. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Bring this gorgeous dish to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation!

Pro Tips For Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Pasta Perfection: Boil shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture in every bite.
• Drain and Cool Technique: Rinse cooked shells with cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle when stuffing.
• Flavor-Boosting Trick: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the ricotta mixture for an extra burst of aromatic freshness.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats for a gluten-free and low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal prep option.

Storing And Reheating Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Oven Method: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake covered at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor and moisture restoration.
• Microwave Option: Place single serving on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying out.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in these ricotta beef stuffed shells, where Italian-inspired flavors dance with hearty ground beef and silky cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this dish promises a delightful journey through rich, satisfying layers you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Cheeses:

• 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (118 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Filling Ingredients:

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Extra fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by immersing jumbo shells in a generously salted water bath, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and cool the shells under a gentle stream of cold water, then set them aside for future assembly.
2. Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by sautéing with finely chopped onions in a spacious skillet. Allow the meat to brown thoroughly and onions to soften, releasing their aromatic essence. Introduce minced garlic for an additional minute of infusion, seasoning with salt and pepper before removing from heat to cool slightly.
3. Craft a luxurious ricotta mixture by blending creamy ricotta with mozzarella, Parmesan, a whisked egg, Italian herbs, and delicate fresh herbs. Fold the seasoned beef mixture into this velvety combination, ensuring complete integration of flavors.
4. Orchestrate the oven’s temperature to 375F, creating a warm culinary environment. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a rectangular baking vessel, establishing a robust flavor foundation.
5. Meticulously fill each pasta shell with the robust beef and ricotta amalgamation, positioning them strategically within the sauce-lined dish. Maintain an upright orientation to capture the filling perfectly. Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Encase the dish in aluminum foil, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify during a 25-minute roasting process. Subsequently, unveil the shells, crown with an additional layer of mozzarella, and return to the oven. Continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
7. Present the dish adorned with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, inviting diners to indulge in this harmonious culinary creation while still radiating warmth.

Notes

• Pasta Selection Matters: Choose jumbo shells that are large enough to hold the beef and ricotta mixture comfortably, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Moisture Control: After cooking shells, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and make handling easier during stuffing.
• Beef Preparation Tip: Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to keep the filling from becoming greasy and maintain a clean, rich taste.
• Cheese Temperature Trick: Let ricotta mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more blendable filling.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta shells with zucchini boats or bell pepper halves for a keto-friendly version of this dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Seasoning Secret: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a subtle kick of heat that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg