The Best Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

Shells bursting with hearty beef and creamy ricotta filling create a mouthwatering Italian-American classic that sparks dinner excitement.

Every forkful promises rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef and smooth ricotta cheese in a delightful embrace.

The combination of melted cheese and savory meat brings warmth to any dining table.

Marinara sauce adds a vibrant splash of color and tangy brightness to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each shell offers a perfect balance of protein and creamy texture that satisfies deep hunger.

Serve this delectable meal and watch as everyone eagerly reaches for seconds.

What Pairs Well With Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the dish's creamy texture with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a light, zesty side salad with romaine lettuce, parmesan shavings, and homemade croutons to balance the hearty pasta shells and provide a fresh contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the marinara sauce and add a crunchy texture that perfectly accompanies the soft, cheesy pasta dish.
• Match with Herbaceous Starter: Offer a simple bruschetta with fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and olive oil to awaken the palate before diving into the decadent beef-stuffed shells.

Storing Stuffed Shells for Dinner Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep frozen for up to 2 months.
• Place individual shells on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well and drain any excess liquid.

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

After draining, rinse the pasta shells with cold water and gently separate them. You can also lightly brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem. You can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Why Beef-Stuffed Shells Are Comforting

• Craft Delectable Layers: The recipe creates a luxuriously rich pound cake with incredible texture from carefully folded egg whites, guaranteeing a lighter-than-traditional dense cake experience.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers wanting to improve techniques like creaming butter, beating egg whites to stiff peaks, and understanding gradual ingredient incorporation, making it an excellent learning opportunity.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for multiple occasions from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, this classic dessert suits all ages and can be served plain or dressed up with fresh berries or whipped cream.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, allowing home bakers to create a stunning dessert without complicated or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create a perfect vessel for holding the flavorful beef and ricotta filling.
• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides a rich and hearty base for the recipe.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the filling.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that create a melty, golden crust with a delicious savory flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.

• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the ricotta filling together and provides structure.

Steps to Bake Beef-Stuffed Shells Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool down, creating a perfect vessel for your flavorful filling.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned. Drain away any extra fat, then stir in the marinara sauce.

Set this tasty mixture aside.

Step 4: Mix Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until you’ve got a smooth, creamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Generously fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange these stuffed shells in a baking dish, creating a delightful seafood of cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Add Meaty Topping

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the shells cool for a few minutes, then serve up this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Notes for Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shell Lovers

• Pat shells dry with paper towels to prevent watery filling and ensure crisp baked texture.
• Add minced garlic or diced onions while browning beef for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother, easier mixing and prevent lumpy filling.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
• Assemble dish in advance, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months for quick future dinners.

Fun Mixes for Beef Shells and Pasta Fans

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Use lamb instead of beef, add feta cheese, and mix oregano and mint into the ricotta filling for a Greek-style transformation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious stuffed concept.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling blend Italian comfort with hearty flavors. Cheese-laden pasta pockets promise a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms your soul with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Boil pasta shells in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then gently drain and let cool on a clean kitchen towel.
3. Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
4. Eliminate excess fat from the beef, then fold in marinara sauce, blending flavors thoroughly and removing from heat.
5. Whisk ricotta cheese with egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta blend, arranging them snugly in a prepared baking dish.
7. Generously distribute the seasoned beef and marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring even coverage.
8. Shower the dish with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, creating a rich, golden topping.
9. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap traditional pasta shells with whole wheat or gluten-free shells for dietary adaptations.
• Allow ricotta mixture to rest for 10 minutes before filling shells to enhance flavor blending and texture.
• Customize spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or adjusting Italian seasoning intensity according to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg