Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and a smooth, creamy ricotta filling. It is the kind of baked pasta recipe that feels both special and familiar, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals. The large pasta shells are generously filled, ensuring every bite delivers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility and reliability. It can be prepared ahead of time, feeds a crowd easily, and reheats beautifully. When I tested this recipe, I found that mixing a small amount of mozzarella into the ricotta made the filling extra creamy without overpowering it. The combination of seasoned beef and soft ricotta creates a rich but balanced filling that pairs perfectly with the pasta and sauce. This dish is classic comfort food that never goes out of style.
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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta – A Comforting Baked Pasta Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Beef-stuffed pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese for a comforting Italian-style dinner.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier plating.
- This dish freezes well before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Jumbo pasta shells are essential for holding the filling and creating the structure of the dish. They cook until tender while maintaining their shape.
Ground beef provides a savory, hearty base for the filling and adds classic comfort-food flavor.
Ricotta cheese forms the creamy center of the stuffed shells, offering a mild, smooth contrast to the beef.
Mozzarella cheese adds meltiness and richness both inside the filling and on top of the dish.
Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor.
Egg helps bind the ricotta filling so it stays creamy but structured after baking.
Onion adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic enhances the savory profile with warmth and aroma.
Marinara sauce provides moisture and acidity, balancing the richness of the filling.
Italian seasoning ties the flavors together with classic herb notes.
Salt and black pepper season the filling and bring balance to the dish.
Fresh parsley is optional but adds color and freshness before serving.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir until smooth and well blended. Fold the cooked beef mixture into the ricotta filling until evenly combined.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each pasta shell generously with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange them in the dish. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, baking time is 35 minutes, making the total time roughly 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Beef-stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover and warm in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions. This dish also freezes well when tightly wrapped.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is easy to adapt to different preferences. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version, while still maintaining a satisfying texture. You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetables.
For a richer flavor, substitute part of the ricotta with cream cheese or add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. If you prefer more heat, crushed red pepper flakes work well in the beef mixture.
When I tested a version with a blend of ricotta and mascarpone, the filling became exceptionally creamy and luxurious. These variations allow you to customize the dish while keeping its comforting character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta provide protein from beef and cheese, carbohydrates from pasta, and fats from dairy. Portion control and ingredient substitutions can help adapt this dish to different dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook Pasta
Slightly undercooked shells hold up better during baking.
Cool Filling Slightly
Letting the beef cool prevents the ricotta from becoming watery.
Use Plenty of Sauce
Sauce keeps the shells moist while baking.
Rest Before Serving
Allowing the dish to rest helps it set and slice cleanly.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, they can be assembled a day in advance and baked later.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, stuffed shells freeze very well before or after baking.
What ricotta works best?
Whole-milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture.
Can I make this without meat?
Yes, omit the beef and add vegetables instead.
How do I prevent dry shells?
Use enough sauce and keep the dish covered while baking.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, a good-quality marinara works perfectly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, additional mozzarella or Parmesan works well.
How long should it rest before serving?
About 5 to 10 minutes is ideal.
What pairs well with stuffed shells?
A green salad or garlic bread complements the dish nicely.
Conclusion
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta is a classic baked pasta dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and versatility in every serving. With its rich filling, tender pasta, and bubbling cheese topping, it is a dependable recipe for family meals, entertaining, or make-ahead dinners that everyone will enjoy.
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