Name: Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained; 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

When I first made this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta, it immediately became a family favorite. The creamy ricotta filling combined with the rich marinara sauce and tender jumbo pasta shells creates a dish that’s not only comforting but also a crowd-pleaser. My family loves Italian food, and this recipe made for a perfect dinner, with each bite being full of flavor and the kind of creamy goodness everyone loves. The savory beef filling combined with the richness of the cheeses and the smoothness of the sauce makes it a winning dish every time. This recipe is one of those you’ll want to keep around forever—believe me, you won’t want to lose it!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

There are plenty of reasons why this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta will quickly become your go-to comfort food:

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The creamy ricotta, savory beef, and melty cheeses come together to create an irresistible filling that perfectly complements the tangy marinara sauce.
A One-Dish Meal: This recipe is a complete meal in itself, featuring protein, vegetables, and carbs all packed into one dish. You won’t need any sides to make this meal feel complete!
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later. It’s a great choice for busy nights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Great for Families and Gatherings: The jumbo pasta shells are fun to stuff and serve, making this dish perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Customizable: While this recipe uses ground beef, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

For the Sauce:

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined and set the filling aside.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, take a generous amount of the beef and ricotta mixture and stuff each cooked pasta shell with it. Be careful not to overstuff, as the shells should be filled but not bursting.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and the cheese has melted.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, making sure they fit snugly together. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the shells, making sure they’re all covered.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese on top is golden and melted.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories (based on 6 servings, with sauce and cheese)

Macronutrients per serving (approximate):

Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on portion size, the type of cheese used, and whether you opt for a homemade or store-bought marinara sauce.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve this delicious Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta for maximum enjoyment:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top each serving with fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and flavor.
Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for a satisfying, indulgent meal.
Serve with a Green Salad: A crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta.
Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving for extra cheesy goodness.
Enjoy with Red Wine: A glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of this dish.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Ricotta: Fresh ricotta cheese will give the filling a smoother, creamier texture and a fresher taste than pre-packaged varieties.
Make It Ahead: You can stuff the shells and assemble the dish the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes really well! Simply assemble and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish. You can also substitute lighter cream for heavy cream.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, but jumbo shells provide more space for stuffing and are typically more visually appealing. If you use regular pasta shells, be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or use a blend of cheeses for a different flavor. Just make sure to keep the ricotta as the base cheese for its creamy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can stuff the shells, assemble the dish, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make the sauce from scratch?
Yes, you can make your marinara sauce from scratch by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, herbs, and olive oil.
Can I use a different meat instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual servings for up to 3 months.
How do I freeze this dish?
Assemble the stuffed shells and cover the dish tightly with foil before freezing. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I make the filling even creamier?
You can add a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone to the filling for an extra creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that will make your family and friends ask for seconds. With its rich, cheesy filling, flavorful beef, and creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t lose it—add it to your collection of favorite recipes today!