Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells: A Heartwarming Recipe

Crafting delectable ricotta beef stuffed shells brings pure comfort to your dinner table tonight.

Melted cheese oozes between perfectly cooked pasta pockets filled with savory goodness.

Hearty ground beef mingles with smooth ricotta, creating layers of rich flavor.

Pasta shells become little vessels of culinary delight, waiting to surprise you with each bite.

Mediterranean herbs and spices dance through the filling, adding depth and complexity.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this indulgent and satisfying.

Knowing you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish makes dinner feel like a delicious adventure waiting to unfold.

FAQs About Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Answered

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love cheesy pasta dishes, and the mild seasonings make it appealing to young eaters.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheeses, and add some spinach or zucchini to the filling for extra nutrients.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Stands Out

• Craft Comfort Meal: Stuffed shells deliver a heartwarming, satisfying dinner that brings everyone together around the table with rich, cheesy goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add spinach, or experiment with different cheese blends to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese in every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that adds richness to the stuffed shells.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy and smooth cheese that creates a soft filling texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic stretchy and melty cheese element.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and meat mixture together.

• Garlic: Brings a warm and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells designed to hold the rich cheese and beef filling.

• Fresh Basil: A fresh herb that adds a bright and aromatic finishing touch to the dish.

How to Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Boil the pasta shells in salted water until they’re perfectly tender, then drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef. Toss in minced garlic, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sizzle and stir until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Beef Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Cooked beef

Mix everything together until well blended and creamy.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the magnificent cheese and beef mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells snugly in a baking dish, making sure they’re cozy and close together.

Step 5: Sauce and Bake

Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become wonderfully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top. Serve these mouthwatering stuffed shells piping hot, straight from the oven.

Tips for Perfectly Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Use jumbo pasta shells for easier stuffing and better presentation of the filling.
• Drain ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent watery stuffed shells and ensure a creamy texture.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Variations to Customize Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, add diced green chiles, and swap marinara for enchilada sauce for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Lamb Shells: Substitute beef with ground lamb, mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and use a tomato-based Greek sauce for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Shells: Swap ground beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, add pine nuts, and use a roasted tomato sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Chicken Pesto Shells: Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in basil pesto, swap marinara for creamy alfredo sauce, and top with sun-dried tomatoes for an herbal, light variation.

Pairing Ideas to Elevate Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding a bright, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce, providing a crunchy texture and additional savory notes that enhance the main dish's depth.
• Match with Herbal Spritzer: Craft a light, herb-infused sparkling water with fresh basil and lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta.

Storing Tips for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta beckons with Italian-inspired comfort, promising rich flavors in every bite. Cheesy pasta pockets filled with seasoned beef and smooth ricotta promise a satisfying meal you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg

Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 package jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling meat and seasoning with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from beef and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Mix ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and cooked beef in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
6. Gently fill each pasta shell with the cheese and beef mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed but not overflowing.
7. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
8. Evenly pour marinara sauce over the shells, covering them completely.
9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
12. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Enhance flavor depth by sautéing diced onions and bell peppers with the ground beef before mixing with cheese.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and adjusting salt quantities to personal taste preferences.
• Prep shells ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal planning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 489 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg