Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta - A Comforting Dinner Dish

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The dish is topped with a rich and creamy marinara sauce, then baked to perfection. The combination of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella makes this dish irresistible. Serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a savory beef and ricotta mixture, topped with a creamy marinara sauce, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so flavorful.

INGREDIENTS

• Pasta Shells: 12 large pasta shells serve as the vessel for the rich beef and cheese filling. Cook them al dente so they hold their shape during baking.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option) is the main protein in the filling. It’s seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup of ricotta cheese adds creaminess to the filling, balancing the savory beef with its smooth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese goes into the filling, with more sprinkled on top for that perfectly melty, cheesy finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite to the filling and the sauce.
• Egg: 1 egg binds the filling together, ensuring it stays in the shells while baking.
• Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Minced garlic and Italian seasoning bring depth of flavor to the beef filling.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) provide the base for the creamy sauce that tops the shells.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream turns the marinara into a rich, creamy sauce that complements the filling perfectly.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat and allow the beef to cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish, arranging them side by side.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of marinara sauce with 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the sauce over medium heat until it’s heated through and the cream is fully incorporated. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

Pour the creamy marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is covered. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the shells in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the stuffed shells are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells hot, straight from the oven. Pair them with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• For a garnish, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving. The herbs add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, cheesy sauce.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling or the marinara sauce to give the dish a little heat.
• If you’re making this dish ahead of time, assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Giada De Laurentiis: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Rachael Ray: When stuffing the shells, be careful not to overfill them. Leave a little room so the filling doesn't spill out as the shells bake.
• Ina Garten: For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking to give the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.