Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any dinner occasion. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta shells, all smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling: This dish is packed with protein and flavor.
Family-friendly: A recipe that both adults and kids will love.
Comfort food: A perfect cozy meal for colder months or when you need something satisfying.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings and fillings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

Ground beef: The main protein in this dish, providing rich and savory flavor.
Onion: Adds a slight sweetness and enhances the beef mixture.
Garlic: For extra savory depth and flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth to the beef filling.
Dried oregano: Gives the filling an earthy, aromatic flavor.
Dried basil: Complements the oregano with a sweet, aromatic herb note.
Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing all the flavors.

For the Ricotta Filling

Ricotta cheese: The base for the creamy filling, offering a mild, smooth texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the ricotta filling.
Egg: Binds the filling together and gives it a slightly firm texture.
Fresh parsley: Freshens up the filling with a hint of brightness.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning the ricotta mixture.

For Assembly

Jumbo pasta shells: The shells hold the beef and ricotta filling, creating a delicious bite-sized portion.
Marinara sauce: Smother the stuffed shells with this flavorful sauce for a rich, tangy base.
Mozzarella cheese: For a gooey, melty topping that completes the dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
Take each pasta shell and fill it with a spoonful of the beef mixture and a spoonful of the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Once all the shells are stuffed, pour marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 430
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 950mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 26g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: Can I freeze Beef-Stuffed Shells?
A3: Yes, these stuffed shells can be frozen. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking time.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese for the ricotta filling?
A4: Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option or try a combination of cream cheese and mozzarella for a different flavor.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the beef filling?
A5: Yes, you can add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.

Q6: Can I make the pasta shells from scratch?
A6: Yes, homemade pasta shells would work wonderfully in this recipe, though store-bought shells save time.

Q7: How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
A7: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q8: Can I use a different sauce?
A8: If you prefer a different sauce, you can substitute marinara with alfredo sauce or a creamy tomato sauce.

Q9: Can I skip the mozzarella topping?
A9: While the mozzarella adds a delicious melty layer, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version.

Q10: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A10: Yes, other large pasta shapes like manicotti or cannelloni can be used instead of jumbo shells.

This Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling dish is a great family-friendly meal that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of ricotta, and the deliciousness of melted cheese. Enjoy it as a comforting dinner for any occasion!