Go Back

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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.