Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Okay, picture this: you’re sitting down to a plate of pasta shells that are perfectly stuffed with a flavorful, savory beef filling, all blanketed in a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with gooey melted cheese. Sounds like comfort food at its finest, right? Well, that’s exactly what you’re in for with these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling.

Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer. The combination of rich beef and smooth ricotta, baked in a bath of marinara sauce, makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s super easy to make and totally customizable to your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

This isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. If you’ve been dreaming of something hearty yet comforting, with a little bit of Italian flair, you’ve found it. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party, these beef-stuffed shells are perfect. The creamy ricotta filling paired with savory beef makes it the kind of dish that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is delicious. Everyone will be asking for seconds, guaranteed.

Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge! Ground beef, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce—nothing fancy, just good, hearty food that won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of stuffed pasta shells. This recipe is as simple as it gets—stuff the shells, layer them in sauce, bake, and voila! It’s a no-fuss, no-stress dinner that comes together beautifully.

Customizable: Want to spice it up? Add some red pepper flakes to the ricotta or stir in some garlic and herbs. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap the beef for spinach and mushrooms. You do you!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a group of friends, this dish is always a winner. Everyone loves it. It’s cheesy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Ingredients in Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Let’s talk about the magic behind these beef-stuffed shells. You won’t need any weird, hard-to-find ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples, all coming together to create something extraordinary.

Ground Beef: The heart of this dish. The beef gives the filling a rich, savory flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta.

Ricotta Cheese: This is what makes the filling so creamy and indulgent. The ricotta keeps everything light yet flavorful, blending beautifully with the beef.

Marinara Sauce: You can’t have stuffed shells without a good marinara sauce. It’s the base of the dish and brings a tangy, comforting contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese.

Pasta Shells: Jumbo pasta shells are perfect for holding the filling. They’re like little edible pockets of deliciousness.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melting on top of the shells, mozzarella adds the final gooey, cheesy touch that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

Seasonings: Think garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper—nothing too complicated, but these little flavor boosters really bring the dish to life.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right in and create this masterpiece!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This will ensure your stuffed shells cook evenly and get that perfectly bubbly, golden finish. Trust me, the aroma while this bakes is worth it.

Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and set them aside to cool. Be sure not to overcook them—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Prepare the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Once the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess fat, and stir in garlic, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it all simmer for a minute to really meld the flavors together.

Next, add in the ricotta cheese and mix everything until smooth and well-combined. The ricotta makes the beef mixture so creamy and soft—it’s the secret to how this dish is both comforting and indulgent.

Stuff the Shells

Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef-ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy with the filling—pack them in there! Place each stuffed shell into a baking dish with a layer of marinara sauce spread on the bottom.

Top with Sauce and Cheese

Once all the shells are stuffed and nestled into the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the shells are slightly golden. This is the part where the magic happens.

Let It Rest

As tempting as it may be to dig in right away, let the dish cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.

Serve and Enjoy

Now, grab a fork and dig into these cheesy, beef-stuffed shells. Serve them with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad, or enjoy them on their own. Either way, it’s a meal that’ll leave everyone asking for the recipe.

How to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

These beef-stuffed shells are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy stuffed shells.

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to scoop up all that extra marinara sauce. It’s a must!

Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or even a medley of seasonal veggies are a great way to add some color and nutrients to the plate.

Presentation: A little sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top of the cheesy shells will make everything look like it’s straight from an Italian kitchen.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure your beef-stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time:

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling and stuff the shells the night before. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Spice It Up: Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or sprinkle a bit on top before baking.

Dietary Adjustments: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for a mix of spinach and mushrooms. It’s just as comforting and flavorful.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake from frozen (you might need an extra 10 minutes of cooking time).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it the night before and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the assembled shells (before baking) for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra shells, and the cooking time may vary slightly.

Q6: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A6: Mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a light salad are great options. You can even serve it with extra garlic bread if you’re a carb lover like me!

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for specific diets?
A7: This recipe is easily adaptable. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells and adjusting other ingredients accordingly.

Q8: What’s the best cookware to use?
A8: A 9×13-inch baking dish works great for this recipe. If you have a ceramic or glass baking dish, even better! They distribute heat evenly for perfect results.

Conclusion

There you have it—Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this dish will become an instant favorite. Don’t just take my word for it—try it for yourself! Get ready to indulge in the cheesy, beefy goodness that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. Enjoy every bite!

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