This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining. Filled with a flavorful beef and cheese mixture, then smothered in a creamy marinara sauce, every bite is rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy and cheesy filling that pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
The creamy marinara sauce adds a velvety richness that elevates the classic stuffed shells recipe.
It’s easy to prepare ahead, making it ideal for busy weeknights or hosting guests.
Customizable with variations like spinach or sausage for different flavors.
It’s a complete meal that’s hearty and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
For the Sauce:
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture using a spoon.
Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until heated through and smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top and pour the remaining sauce over them.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with cooked spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef for a kick of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Cheese Swap: Try adding fontina or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or oregano to the filling for extra aromatic flavors.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Related Recipes:
- Taco Stuffed Shells: Pasta Perfection Unleashed!
- Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
FAQs
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
I like to assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes! Assemble the dish and freeze it unbaked. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes.
What’s the best way to cook pasta shells without breaking them?
Cook the shells in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions and handle them gently to avoid tearing.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Swap out any of the cheeses for your favorites like provolone, Asiago, or a four-cheese blend.
Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even plain whole milk.
Conclusion
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a show-stopping dish that combines rich, cheesy goodness with hearty beef and a luscious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining. This recipe features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich ricotta, mozzarella, and beef filling, smothered in a creamy marinara sauce. It’s indulgent, easy to make, and customizable for various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
For the Sauce:
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Filling: Combine cooked beef, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stuff the Shells: Use a spoon to fill each cooked shell with the prepared mixture.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix marinara sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan until smooth and warmed through.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Notes
Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked shells for up to 24 hours.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
Freeze assembled shells unbaked and cook from frozen with additional bake time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
