Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a hearty, flavorful Italian dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a rich blend of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and herbs. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a great choice for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave comforting Italian flavors. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped basil or parsley. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the cooled beef mixture to the ricotta mixture and stir until evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell and arrange them in the baking dish, open side up.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are covered evenly.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.

Step 5: Bake

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

Cooking Notes

• Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, or make your own for added flavor. A good quality sauce will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese if you love extra cheesy dishes. You can also mix in some shredded mozzarella into the ricotta mixture for an extra creamy texture.

Variations

Spinach and Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the ricotta mixture for a nutritious boost. The spinach pairs wonderfully with the ricotta and beef filling.

Spicy Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.

Vegetarian Ricotta-Stuffed Shells

• Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the ricotta mixture for a vegetarian version of this classic dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if the dish is cold.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated.

Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed shells before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish and cover tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If already baked, let them cool completely before freezing.

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and savory beef, these stuffed shells are a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite of these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling!