Easy Cheesy Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

Ricotta beef stuffed shells bring a hearty comfort to your dinner table with unexpected zest.

Cheese lovers will adore this classic Italian-inspired dish that combines rich ground beef and smooth ricotta.

Melted mozzarella blankets each shell, creating a golden crispy top that beckons you closer.

Mediterranean herbs infuse subtle warmth throughout the recipe, making every bite memorable.

Carefully crafted layers of pasta and savory filling promise a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive pasta creation.

You can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

FAQs

• What makes this ricotta beef stuffed shells recipe different from traditional stuffed shells?

This recipe elevates classic stuffed shells by incorporating ground beef directly into the ricotta mixture, creating a heartier and more protein-packed dish that offers richer flavor and a more substantial meal.

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground lamb to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe’s core technique and creamy texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these stuffed shells are excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to eat. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta: A Comfort Feast

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Satisfy everyone's hunger with this hearty pasta dish that combines rich beef, creamy cheese, and classic marinara sauce.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra herbs, or creating a spicier version with red pepper flakes.
• Perfect Family Dinner: Designed to feed a hungry group, this one-pan meal brings everyone together around the table with its delicious layers of flavor and cheesy goodness.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Requires basic cooking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the stuffed shells that provides rich meaty texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and adds structure to the mixture.

• Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy and tangy cheeses that create a luxurious and melty filling with complex flavor profiles.

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that serve as edible containers for the delicious beef and cheese filling.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.

• Garlic, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide aromatic depth to the filling.

How to Cook Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cooked ground beef
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients until thoroughly mixed and consistent.

Step 3: Fill Pasta Shells

Carefully spoon the prepared beef and cheese mixture into cooked pasta shells, ensuring each shell is generously filled.

Step 4: Craft Silky Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pour remaining sauce over stuffed shells. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce bubbles and cheese turns golden.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Allow pasta to rest for a few minutes after removing from oven.

Serve hot and savor the delicious combination of beef, cheese, and pasta.

Pro Tips for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that keeps the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Enhance ricotta mixture by adding fresh herbs like basil or chopped spinach for extra nutrition and vibrant taste.
• Control portion sizes by preparing extra shells and freezing them for quick future meals – they reheat beautifully and maintain their creamy texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and monitoring salt quantities during seasoning process.
• Make this dish gluten-free by selecting gluten-free pasta shells and checking ingredient labels for potential gluten-containing products.

Variations on Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap marinara for roasted red pepper sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats, keeping the rich cheese and beef filling for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty pasta and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, decadent pasta dish and add fresh, zesty contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara cream sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft pasta shells.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Roast Mediterranean-style vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with herbs to introduce a healthy, flavorful side that enhances the main course.

Storage Advice for Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled pasta shells to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce if needed to maintain moisture.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent ricotta beef stuffed shells combine Italian comfort with rich, hearty flavors in a mouthwatering pasta experience. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and delicate pasta shells promise a satisfying meal that will delight you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg

Cheeses:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided for filling and sauce)

Herbs, Seasonings, and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess grease. Transfer cooked meat to a preparation bowl.
2. Create a luxurious filling by blending the cooked beef with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until uniformly incorporated.
3. Carefully fill each pre-cooked pasta shell with the rich meat and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Craft a velvety sauce by gently warming marinara with heavy cream and Parmesan in a saucepan, stirring until smooth and integrated.
5. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin sauce layer across the bottom. Nestle the stuffed shells carefully into the dish, then cascade the remaining sauce over the entire surface.
6. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, creating a steamy environment for flavor melding.
7. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest briefly, letting the flavors settle and intensify before serving this decadent pasta creation.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Pat the cooked pasta shells dry before stuffing to prevent watery filling and ensure a perfect texture.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 488 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg