Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Large pasta shells are filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and herbs, then baked to perfection in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is an Italian-inspired classic that’s sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a meal everyone will love!

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells
2. Instructions for Beef-Stuffed Shells
3. Tips & Notes
4. Recipe Variations & Substitutions
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Instructions for Beef-Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.
• Add the slightly cooled beef mixture to the ricotta mixture and stir until evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Stuff each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the beef and ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the shells cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes

• Prevent Shells from Sticking: After cooking the pasta shells, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for an even cheesier dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a high-quality or homemade marinara sauce for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Spinach and Beef: Add 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach to the beef and ricotta mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spicy Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make beef-stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When baking, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

3. Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed shells, but do not bake them. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. With a rich blend of ricotta, ground beef, and classic Italian herbs, each shell is packed with flavor and baked to perfection. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to be loved by all.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this comforting Italian classic!