Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe

Beef-Stuffed Shells wіth Creamy Ricotta Filling is a simple but really yummy meal . It brings together hearty ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese inside big soft pasta shells . Every bite feels warm and filling , making it great for a family dinner or a cozy night at home . Kids and adults both love it since the flavors hit just right .

Comfort food like this has a way of making us feel safe and happy . It can turn a normal night into something special , and bring people closer at the table . Beef-stuffed shells do more than fill your belly – they give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside that you cant get from just any meal .

In this guide , you’ll learn all you need to make Beef-Stuffed Shells wіth Creamy Ricotta Filling from scratch . We’ll cover the parts of the dish , list the ingredients , show you how to cook and bake , and give tips so it turns out great every time . Whether you’re new to cooking or you’ve made pasta before , these steps will help you nail it .

I. Understanding Beef-Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells come from Italian cooking and are pasta shells filled with whatever you like , then baked . Usually they’re filled wіth cheese , meat , veggies , or a mix of all three . People cover them in tomato sauce , top with cheese , and bake until bubbly and golden . Over time , cooks added new fillings and sauces to make them their own .

Some popular versions are ricotta and spinach , seafood , or mixed meats . The classic beef and ricotta mix stays a favorite since it’s tasty and filling . It gives you a nice balance of meatiness and creaminess that works every time .

B. Why Choose Beef and Ricotta?

Ground beef brings lots of protein to the dish , which helps build muscles and keep you full . It also has iron , zinc , and B vitamins that are good for your health .

Ricotta cheese adds a smooth , mild taste that goes well wіth beef . It’s lower in fat than some cheeses , so you get creaminess without it being too heavy . Together they make a filling that’s rich and balanced .

II. Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Here’s what you need to make this tasty dish :

A. List of Ingredients

• 1 package of jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of tomato sauce
• Fresh basil and parsley
• Garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper

B. Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap anything :

• Ground beef : Try ground turkey , chicken , or plant-based meat .
• Cheese : Use nut-based or soy ricotta and vegan mozzarella if you’re dairy-free .
• Pasta : Choose gluten-free shells made from rice or quinoa .

III. Preparing Beef-Stuffed Shells

A. Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking the Beef Filling

1. Brown beef : Heat a skillet over medium , add beef , and cook until it’s all brown . Use a spatula to break it apart .
2. Add spices : Drain fat if needed , then stir in garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper . Cook 2-3 more minutes so the flavors mix .

B. Preparing the Ricotta Filling

1. Mix cheese : In a bowl , stir together ricotta , half the mozzarella , Parmesan , chopped herbs , and a pinch of salt and pepper . Mix well .

C. Cooking the Jumbo Shells

1. Boil water : Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil .
2. Cook shells : Add shells and cook until al-dente , about 8–10 minutes . Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking .

IV. Assembling and Baking the Shells

A. Stuffing the Shells

1. Fill shells : Spoon ricotta mix into each shell , then add a bit of the beef filling . Don’t overfill or they’ll burst .

B. Layering in the Baking Dish

1. Sauce layer : Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish .
2. Place shells : Put shells seam-side up , not too close , so they bake evenly .
3. Top with sauce : Spoon extra sauce over the shells .

C. Baking for Optimal Flavor

1. Preheat oven : Set to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Bake covered : Cover dish with foil and bake 25 minutes .
3. Add cheese : Remove foil , sprinkle remaining mozzarella , and bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden .

V. Serving Suggestions and Pairings

A. Side Dishes

• Garlic bread : Crispy and buttery for soaking up sauce .
• Green salad : Light vinaigrette adds fresh crunch .

B. Beverage Pairings

• Red wine : Chianti or Merlot work well with beef .
• Kids’ drinks : Sparkling water wіth lemon or iced tea .

VI. Variations and Customizations

A. Adding Extra Vegetables

Mix in chopped spinach , mushrooms , or zucchini for more nutrients and flavor .

B. Spicy Variations

Add red pepper flakes to beef or diced jalapeños to ricotta for a kick .

C. Cheese Lovers’ Version

Try provolone or gouda , or drizzle pesto on top before baking .

VII. Storing and Reheating Leftovers

A. Proper Storage Techniques

• Refrigerate : In an airtight container for 3–4 days .
• Freeze : Unbaked shells in a freezer dish up to 3 months .

B. Reheating Methods

• Oven : Heat at 350°F (175°C) covered 20–25 minutes .
• Microwave : Medium power 2–3 minutes per serving .

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A. Can I make stuffed shells in advance?

Yes . Prep and cover tightly . Keep in fridge up to 24 hours before baking .

B. How long can I keep leftovers?

Fridge for 3–4 days , freezer up to 3 months .

C. Can I use other types of meat?

Sure . Turkey , chicken , or pork all work fine .

D. What’s the best sauce for stuffed shells?

Classic marinara or tomato sauce is best . Try Alfredo too for a twist .

E. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan cheese .

IX. Conclusion

We’ve covered everything about Beef-Stuffed Shells wіth Creamy Ricotta Filling : ingredients , cooking steps , tips , and ways to store leftovers . Now it’s your turn to try this comfort food at home and make it your own .

X. Recipe Section: Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

A. Ingredients

• 1 package of jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

B. Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Brown beef in skillet , drain fat , and stir in spices .
3. Mix ricotta , half mozzarella , Parmesan , and herbs in a bowl .
4. Cook shells al-dente in boiling salted water , then drain .
5. Spread tomato sauce in a baking dish .
6. Stuff shells wіth beef and cheese mix and arrange in dish .
7. Cover with sauce , sprinkle cheese , and cover with foil .
8. Bake 25 minutes , remove foil , bake 10–15 more minutes until top is golden .

C. Additional Advice

Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving . Serve wіth garlic bread and salad for a full meal . Enjoy !

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a savory beef and ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 People

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large pot
• 1 large skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 9x13-inch baking dish
• 1 oven

Ingredients

  

• 12 jumbo pasta shells jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided into two portions.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce Divided into two portions.
• 2 cloves garlic Minced.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• for garnish optional fresh basil leaves For garnish if desired.

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large pot, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until fully combined.
• Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

You can add spinach or other vegetables into the cheese mixture for added nutrition.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.