Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a hearty and comforting dish that combines jumbo pasta shells with a savory blend of ground beef, ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection, this Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines rich, cheesy flavors with tender pasta shells.
• A family-friendly dish that’s great for weeknight meals or entertaining.
• Easy to assemble with simple ingredients.
• Customizable—add veggies or use different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Perfectly pairs with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

1. Using a spoon, fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
2. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish in a single layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon the beef and marinara mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
2. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
2. Serve warm with garlic bread or a green salad for a satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of creamy béchamel sauce or increase the mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Marinara Alternative: Use Alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef.

3. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Toss the cooked shells lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking as they cool.

4. Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the overall flavor.

5. What’s the best way to fill the shells?

Use a spoon or a piping bag for clean and easy filling.

6. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Manicotti or cannelloni can be used as alternatives to jumbo shells.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes and adjust the baking time as needed.

8. What can I serve alongside this dish?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

9. How do I know when the dish is fully baked?

The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the dish should be heated through.

10. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara adds fresh flavor and works perfectly in this recipe.

Conclusion

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a rich and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its savory beef and ricotta filling, marinara sauce, and cheesy topping, this baked pasta is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a classic Italian-inspired meal that everyone will love!

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 35min
• Total Time: 50min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: Italien/American

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Description

Savor these cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells filled with a creamy ricotta and beef mixture, topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty dinner the whole family will love!

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles.
2. Drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

4. Stuff the Shells

1. Fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
2. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in a baking dish.

5. Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon the beef and marinara mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
2. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

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Notes

• For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach or chopped basil to the ricotta filling.
• Use ground turkey or Italian sausage as a substitute for ground beef.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.