Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. This flavorful meal combines savory ground beef with a rich, creamy ricotta filling, all nestled inside jumbo pasta shells. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked in marinara sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors—making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef-Stuffed Shells dish is everything you want in comfort food: rich, cheesy, and satisfying. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a savory beef mixture and creamy ricotta filling creates a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. The addition of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella on top makes every bite even more delicious. It’s a dish that’s as hearty as it is comforting, and it’s easy to make, which makes it ideal for both busy weeknights and special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

• Fresh basil, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.

4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

5. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

6. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until well combined.

7. Stir the cooled beef mixture into the ricotta filling.

8. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

9. Fill each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.

10. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the additional shredded mozzarella.

11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

12. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a combination of ricotta and sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian twist.

• Add Spice: Stir in some red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for extra heat and flavor.

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the jumbo pasta shells with zucchini or eggplant slices for a lighter, low-carb version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the stuffed shells in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You may want to add a little extra marinara sauce to prevent the shells from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Just be sure to bake them the next day when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Beef-Stuffed Shells?

Yes, this dish can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the stuffed shells, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

If you don’t have jumbo pasta shells, you can substitute with manicotti shells or any large pasta that can be stuffed.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the dish spicier, try adding red pepper flakes to the filling, marinara sauce, or on top of the baked shells for an extra kick.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan substitutes. You can also use a non-dairy milk and egg replacement in the filling.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together while cooking?

To prevent pasta shells from sticking, stir them occasionally while boiling, and be sure to coat them with a little olive oil after draining.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, or you can make your own homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized touch.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can make the dish healthier by using lean ground beef or ground turkey, part-skim ricotta, and whole wheat pasta shells. You could also add extra vegetables into the beef mixture.

Can I top the dish with other cheeses?

Certainly! You can add a variety of cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda to create a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It combines savory beef, rich ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked in marinara sauce to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this dish will bring warmth and flavor to any occasion. It’s easy to customize, make ahead, and perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!