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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory beef and creamy ricotta filling, all topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Plus extra for topping.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • to taste fresh parsley For garnish (optional).

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  • Spoon a generous amount of the beef and ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place the filled shells into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, open side up.
  • Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle any remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Feel free to add chopped spinach or other vegetables to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.