The Ultimate Beef-Stuffed Shells With Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

Tucking savory ground beef into delicate pasta shells creates a mouthwatering meal that feels like pure comfort.

Shells brimming with rich, seasoned meat promise an irresistible dining experience.

Melted cheese and herbs add layers of deliciousness to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Ricotta provides a silky, creamy backdrop that perfectly complements the robust beef filling.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, making every bite a celebration of home cooking.

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Magic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients that make everyone at the table smile, this dish delivers classic Italian-inspired goodness in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Prepare components separately, then combine quickly for a stunning main course that looks like you spent hours cooking but actually comes together in minimal steps.
• Family Dinner Champion: Combines kid-friendly pasta with protein and cheesy goodness, creating a nutritious meal that satisfies both adults and children without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that provides a rich, savory flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create the perfect vessel for holding the delicious filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings a tangy and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping with a delightful cheesy flavor.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the ricotta filling together.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding depth and warmth to the beef and cheese mixture.

How to Prepare Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Cook Those Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender.

Once done, drain and let them cool down while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 3: Brown the Beefy Goodness

Grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned.

• Ground beef
• Marinara sauce

Drain any extra fat, then mix in the marinara sauce. Set this meaty mixture aside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients to create a dreamy ricotta mixture.

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything until smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Take each cooled pasta shell and generously fill it with the creamy ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

Step 6: Layer on the Meat and Cheese

Top each stuffed shell with the beefy marinara mixture. Then sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 7: First Baking Round

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to let all those flavors mingle.

Step 8: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Pull out the dish and get ready to enjoy these mouthwatering beef-stuffed shells while they’re hot and incredibly delicious!

Tips to Perfect Your Shells and Filling

• Select high-quality ground beef and fresh ricotta cheese for the most robust flavor and creamy texture.
• Slightly undercook pasta shells to avoid overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly tender bite.
• Thoroughly drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, rich taste.
• Mix ricotta with egg to create a lighter, smoother filling that prevents the shells from becoming too dense.
• Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown cheese top that looks irresistible.

Variations to Personalize Your Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Lamb Shells: Replace beef with seasoned ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix dried oregano into ricotta for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Chorizo Shells: Swap ground beef for chorizo sausage, incorporate diced jalapeños in the ricotta mixture, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Spinach Shells: Substitute meat with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, blend ricotta with garlic and nutmeg, and use vegetable marinara sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Crab Shells: Use lump crab meat instead of beef, mix chopped fresh herbs into ricotta, and garnish with Old Bay seasoning for a coastal-style rendition.

Pairings That Compliment This Dish

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich beef and creamy cheese flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a fresh, zesty side that balances the hearty pasta shells, using a light dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce to provide textural contrast and cleanse the palate.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty, butter-laden garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce and add a complementary garlicky note that enhances the overall meal's savory profile.

How to Store Leftover Stuffed Shells

Store leftover beef-stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual shells or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• 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 it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.

• How do I prevent the shells from tearing while filling?

Cook the shells al dente and handle them gently. Let them cool slightly before stuffing to make them more manageable.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

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