This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells recipe is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish. Filled with a rich beef and ricotta mixture, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Large pot (for boiling pasta shells)
- Colander (to drain pasta)
- Mixing bowls (for ricotta and beef mixture)
- Skillet or sauté pan (to brown ground beef and cook aromatics)
- Baking dish (about 9×13 inches)
- Rubber spatula or spoon (to mix filling gently)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (to cover dish while baking)
- Oven mitts (for handling hot dishes)
Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, the egg, and parsley. Mix well, then fold in the cooked beef mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta filling, arranging them seam-side up in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Pro Tips
- Boil pasta shells until just al dente; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Lay shells on a lightly oiled tray after draining to prevent sticking.
- Use whole-milk ricotta and mix with an egg for creamier filling.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- Cover baking dish with foil while baking to keep shells moist; uncover last 10 minutes to brown cheese.
Variations
Replace pasta shells with zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb option.
Add sautéed spinach to the filling for extra veggies.
Swap ground beef with Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for spice.
Use a mix of cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone) for extra cheesiness.
Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for earthiness.
Tips for Success
- Use a piping bag or a small spoon to easily fill the pasta shells.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and creamy stuffed shell pasta that’s sure to impress!
FAQs
- Can I prepare ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze?
Yes, freeze before baking. Bake covered and add extra time. - Best sauce?
Marinara or tomato sauce works best; Alfredo is a creamy alternative. - Substitute for ricotta?
Cottage cheese works but will be less smooth. - How to prevent sticking?
Lightly oil baking dish and brush shells with olive oil.
Fit-Your-Diet Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini slices.
- Low-Fat: Use part-skim ricotta and lean ground meat; reduce cheese topping.
- Vegetarian: Omit meat, add vegetables or meatless crumbles.
- Keto/Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini/eggplant; use full-fat cheese and creamy sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta alternative and tomato-based sauce.
- High-Protein: Add extra ground beef or cooked lentils to filling.