If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells are the answer. This dish is a combination of rich, cheesy goodness paired with a savory and hearty beef filling, all wrapped in perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving a warm and indulgent meal, this stuffed shells recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy and melty texture that coats every bite.
- Savory and Hearty: The seasoned ground beef adds a depth of flavor that balances perfectly with the cheesy filling.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: You can prepare these stuffed shells ahead of time and bake them when needed.
- Great for Gatherings: This recipe makes a generous portion, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with additional ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or spicy sausage for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta and Filling:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil or fresh basil for garnish
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Set aside while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Once fully cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg.
- Add the cooled beef mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take each cooked shell and generously fill it with the beef and ricotta mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan will melt better and taste richer than pre-packaged versions.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the shells will continue cooking in the oven, boiling them just until al dente ensures they hold their shape.
- Make it Creamier: Add a little heavy cream to the ricotta mixture for an even silkier texture.
- Season Every Layer: Proper seasoning throughout the dish enhances its overall flavor.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked shells to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to set the cheese and flavors.
Variations and Additions
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
1. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Add 1 cup of sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for a healthier, veggie-packed version.
2. Spicy Sausage and Beef Stuffed Shells
- Substitute half of the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.
3. Mushroom and Beef Stuffed Shells
- Add finely chopped mushrooms to the beef mixture for an earthy and savory twist.
4. Alfredo-Stuffed Shells
- Instead of marinara, pour a creamy Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells before baking.
5. Three-Cheese Vegetarian Stuffed Shells
- Skip the beef and load up on ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a pure cheese-lover’s dream.
What to Serve with Stuffed Shells
These stuffed shells are hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect way to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing side balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
- Red or White Wine: A nice Chianti or Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Stuffed shells freeze well! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells are the epitome of comfort food. They bring together the best of Italian flavors—rich tomato sauce, cheesy filling, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with so many variations, you can customize them to suit your taste. So go ahead, grab some jumbo pasta shells, and treat yourself to a warm and satisfying meal tonight!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below! 🍝😋