Velvety Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with these delectable ricotta beef stuffed shells that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this pasta dish combines tender ground beef and creamy ricotta in a delightful culinary embrace.

Each shell bursts with hearty ingredients that meld together in perfect harmony.

The robust meat filling creates a satisfying meal that speaks to serious pasta lovers.

Melted cheese blankets the shells, adding a luxurious touch to every single bite.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you serve this mouthwatering creation.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with every forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes In Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Jumbo Shells: Large, ridged pasta perfect for holding creamy fillings, choose high-quality Italian-style shells for authentic texture and optimal stuffing capacity.

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that adds robust flavor and substance to the dish, select lean beef for healthier option.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth, opt for fresh yellow or white onions with firm texture.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that complements beef, choose fresh cloves for maximum potency.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese creating luxurious filling texture, select full-fat version for richer taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds stretchy, gooey goodness, pick fresh variety for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that elevates overall flavor profile, use freshly grated for maximum taste.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together, ensures smooth, cohesive filling consistency.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer, balances and highlights other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs providing authentic Mediterranean flavor, choose high-quality dried mix.
• Parsley/Basil: Fresh herbs that brighten and freshen the final dish, select vibrant, fragrant leaves.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian character, choose rich, well-seasoned variety.

Gear You’ll Need For Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells with plenty of salted water.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and cooking onions evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ricotta, cheese, and beef filling ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Necessary for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Spoon: Great for filling pasta shells with the beef and ricotta mixture.
• Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing cooked pasta shells.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning cheese and sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.

Steps To Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Shell Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Gently drop pasta shells into bubbling liquid, cooking until they’re soft but still firm. Drain and cool shells under gentle water stream.

• Beef Foundation

Heat skillet and brown ground beef with diced onions. Infuse with garlic’s aromatic essence. Season with subtle salt and pepper touches. Let mixture rest and cool slightly.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

Whisk ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan. Crack a fresh egg into mixture. Sprinkle Italian herbs for depth. Fold in cooled beef until ingredients dance together harmoniously.

• Oven Warmup

Crank oven to toasty 375F. Spread marinara sauce across baking dish, creating a vibrant red canvas.

• Shell Transformation

Carefully stuff each shell with rich beef and cheese mixture. Nestle filled shells into sauce-covered dish. Drizzle remaining marinara across top.

• Baking Magic

Cover dish with foil, allowing flavors to mingle. Bake until shells are heated through. Uncover, shower with additional cheese, and return to oven until cheese melts into golden perfection.

• Serving Celebration

Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately while still steaming and inviting.

Helpful Hints For Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Perfect Shell Techniques: Use a small cookie scoop or piping bag to easily fill pasta shells without tearing them, ensuring neat and consistent stuffing every time.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace jumbo pasta shells with zucchini boats or bell pepper halves for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that maintains the delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute ricotta with tofu or cashew cream, and use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives to create a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, creamy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: These stuffed shells freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian version that keeps the same comforting and satisfying essence of the original recipe.

How To Serve Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add an extra handful of grated Parmesan or crumbled ricotta on top just before serving to create a rich, creamy finish that melts beautifully.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to balance the hearty pasta and add nutritional value to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the robust beef and creamy cheese flavors.

Meal Prep And Storage For Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Refrigeration Revival: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal the shells carefully to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in freezer-safe containers. These shells freeze beautifully for 2-3 months, ensuring a quick future meal when time is tight.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating maintains the original texture and flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare the entire recipe in advance, assembling shells and storing uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This technique saves time and allows flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious dinner.

Hearty Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta delivers a hearty Italian-inspired comfort meal that blends rich meats and creamy cheese. Savory shells nestle perfectly alongside a robust tomato sauce, promising a satisfying dinner for hungry families.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (710 milliliters) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (474 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (118 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook jumbo shells in heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside for filling.
2. Meat Fusion: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef and onions until meat browns completely and onions become translucent. Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Ricotta Composition: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian and fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Incorporate the seasoned beef mixture thoroughly, creating a rich, cohesive filling.
4. Baking Setup: Preheat oven to 375F. Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a robust flavor base.
5. Assembly and Sauce Coverage: Carefully stuff each shell with the beef-ricotta mixture, arranging them upright in the sauce-lined dish. Pour remaining marinara over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Baking Process: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top, and continue baking until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
7. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the warm, aromatic dish.

Notes

• Prevent Shell Sticking: Toss cooked shells with a touch of olive oil to prevent them from clumping together during the cooling and filling process.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat ground beef with paper towels after cooking to remove excess fat, ensuring a firmer and less greasy filling mixture.
• Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and add personal culinary flair.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute jumbo shells with gluten-free pasta shells or use zucchini boats for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg