Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

by
Pin

🍝 Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta: A Hearty and Cheesy Delight 🧀

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish, Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta is the perfect choice. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and Italian herbs, then baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish is ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed pasta shells are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of juicy ground beef, smooth ricotta, and rich marinara sauce creates a flavorful and filling meal. The mozzarella cheese on top melts beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly topping that will make your mouth water. Whether you serve them on their own or with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad, Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients 🍴

To make this delicious Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells 🍝

  • 1 lb ground beef 🥩

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀

  • 1 cup marinara sauce 🍅

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀

  • 1 egg 🥚

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿

Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Begin by boiling the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, as they will cook further in the oven. Drain the pasta shells and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set the shells aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break the beef up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef and return it to the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth mixture. The ricotta adds a creamy texture to the filling, and the seasoning gives it a savory, herbaceous flavor.

Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the ricotta and beef mixture, making sure to fill each shell generously.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, arranging them in a single layer. Once all the shells are placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells.

Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve
Once the Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Stuffed Shells 🌟

1. Make Ahead
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can stuff the shells and assemble the entire dish in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s a great time-saver!

2. Use Homemade Marinara Sauce
While store-bought marinara works just fine, making your own marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of this dish. You can easily make a simple homemade sauce by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

3. Customize the Filling
Feel free to add extra ingredients to the ricotta filling to suit your taste. You can incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or even some crumbled Italian sausage for an added depth of flavor.

4. Keep it Moist
If the dish seems dry after baking, cover the top with foil during the first part of baking. This helps the cheese melt without drying out the sauce.

5. Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from overbaking.

What to Serve with Beef Stuffed Shells 🍽️

  • Garlic Bread 🍞
    The garlic bread is a classic side for any Italian meal. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the marinara sauce.

  • Fresh Salad 🥗
    A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed shells. Try a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.

  • Roasted Vegetables 🌽🍆
    Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted asparagus, would pair nicely with the creamy stuffed shells.

  • Crispy Breadsticks 🍞
    If you’re looking to add a little extra crunch, breadsticks are a perfect option to serve alongside stuffed shells. Dip them in marinara sauce for a fun twist.

Nutritional Information

This Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta recipe is rich and satisfying, but here’s a breakdown of what to expect per serving:

  • Calories: 450 kcal

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Protein: 25g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 6g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Leave a Comment