Crеаmy Rіcotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a yummy dish . It mixes Italian comfort food into one big bowl . At the heart is a blend of rich , creamy ricotta cheese , juicy ground beef and soft pasta shells , all covered in a smooth marinara sauce . It not just makes your taste buds happy but also gives a filling dinner that kids and grown ups love .
They really easy to make on busy nights , so you can set them up early and chill while it cooks . You dont need fancy skills to do it , and you end up with a restaurant style meal right at home . Every bite you taste a mix of cheesy goodness and saucy flavor , making these shells a must have for any family ’s pasta night .
What Are Stuffed Shells ?
Stuffed shells is a classic pasta dish where big pasta shapes get filled with all sorts of tasty stuff . Usually it comes from Italian American cooking and is baked with sauce and cheese for a cozy meal . The idea of stuffing pasta goes way back in Southern Italy , where people used extra ingredients so they wouldnt waste food . When Italian people moved to America , stuffed shells changed and became a fаmouѕ dinner that everyone likes .
Traditionally , the filling has ricotta cheese , spinach and herbs , but you can swap in ground meats , veggies or different cheeses to make your own version . The pasta holds the mix , and a good scoop of sauce ties it together , making stuffed shells a filling meal for all ages .
Ingredients for Crеаmy Rіcotta Beef Stuffed Shells
To make this dish , you need some basic ingredients that all work together for a comfort food hit . Here they are :
2.1 Pasta Shells
Pick big pаsta shells like jumbo shells or manicotti . Jumbo shells are larger so theyre easier to fill , while manicotti are a bit more delicate and tube shaped . Both keep the tasty filling inside .
2.2 Filling Ingredients
- Ground Beef : Seasoned ground beef gives the filling a hearty and savory taste .
- Ricotta Cheese : The creamy texture of ricotta adds richness and a light sweetness , which balances the beef .
- Mozzarella Cheese : Melted mozzarella on top gives a gooey , cheesy layer thats hard to resist .
- Parmesan Cheese : A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty flavor to bump up the taste .
- Egg : The egg helps bind the filling and adds extra creaminess .
- Seasoning : Spice it up with garlic powder , dried basil and oregano for a well rounded taste .
2.3 Sauce Ingredients
You also need a good sauce to bring it all together . Get :
- Marinara Sauce : You can buy it ready made or cook your own for more flavor .
- Cream : A splash of cream in the sauce makes it even richer .
- Fresh Herbs : Basil or parsley on top adds fresh color and taste .
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
These shells dont just taste great , they also give you important nutrients thanks to their simple ingredients . Check out the main ones :
Macronutrient Breakdown
Each serving has a mix of carbs , protein and fats :
- Carbohydrates : The pasta gives you energy to keep going .
- Protein : Ground beef and ricotta help build muscles and keep you strong .
- Fats : Cheese and cream give healthy fats that help your body absorb vitamins .
Health Benefits
Some perks of the key ingredients :
- Ricotta Cheese : High in calcium and protein , which are good for bones and muscles .
- Ground Beef : Rich in iron and zinc to keep your energy up and your immune system strong .
- Fresh Herbs : Adds antioxidants that protect your cells from damage .
If you want to make this even better for you , try lean ground beef and whole grain pasta . You can also add more veggies inside to boost fiber and nutrients .
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crеаmy Rіcotta Beef Stuffed Shells
4.1 Preparation Time
Make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready first . From start to finish , it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes , which is pretty good for a home cooked meal .
4.2 Ingredients Listing
Here is what you need :
- 16 - 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
4.3 Directions
- Preheat Oven : Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . This helps the shells cook evenly .
- Cook the Pasta : Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the shells till al dente . Drain and let them cool .
- Prepare the Filling : In a skillet , brown the ground beef over medium heat . Drain the fat . In a bowl , mix the beef with ricotta , mozzarella , Parmesan , egg , garlic powder , basil , oregano , salt and pepper .
- Stuff the Shells : Spoon the mix into each shell . Be careful not to over stuff them or it will spill out .
- Prepare the Sauce : In a small pan , heat the marinara sauce and cream on low until smooth .
- Assemble : Spread some sauce in a baking dish . Place the filled shells in it and pour the rest of the sauce on top . Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan .
- Baking : Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes . Then take off the foil and bake 10 - 15 more minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden .
- Serving Suggestions : Let it rest a few minutes , then top with fresh basil or parsley . Serve with a side salad or garlic bread .
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Fresh basil For garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and large egg. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each pasta shell, filling them generously.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
- Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
