The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, and you can almost hear the Italian grandmothers sighing in approval. Creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells are a comforting Italian classic that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Picture this: giant pasta shells cradling a rich beef and ricotta filling, all smothered in tangy tomato sauce and oozing with melted mozzarella. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds.
If you’re looking for a dish that screams “family dinner” while also being worthy of a date night at home, you’ve hit the jackpot. These stuffed shells are perfect for gatherings or simply indulging after a long day. Who knew comfort could taste this good? Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells are simple to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners
- Each bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the rich combination of cheeses and spices
- They look stunning when plated, sure to wow your guests
- Versatile enough to customize fillings based on your preferences or dietary needs
I remember the first time I made these creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells for my family; their eyes lit up like kids spotting Santa Claus. Everyone went back for seconds—no shame in my pasta game!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells hold all the delicious filling; don’t skimp—grab at least 20 for good measure.
Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef to keep it hearty without being greasy.
Ricotta Cheese: Choose fresh ricotta for creaminess; it’s like a hug from Italy.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooier, the better! It adds that melty goodness we all crave.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade elevates the dish—go ahead and brag about it!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty kick; it’s worth the extra effort!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together like family at Sunday dinner.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials; they enhance all those beautiful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you gather ingredients and let excitement build.
Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of your mozzarella.
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the ricotta-beef mixture. Use a spoon or your fingers—whatever feels right!
Lather on Sauce!: Spread half of the marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled shells on top and pour remaining sauce over them.
Add Cheese Galore!: Sprinkle leftover mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the assembled shells. You want that bubbly goodness!
Bake to Perfection!: Cover with foil (don’t let it touch the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese bubbles.
Now sit back while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas as these creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells transform into culinary magic! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- This recipe for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells brings a comforting twist to a classic Italian dish
- The combination of creamy ricotta and savory beef creates a luscious filling that will make your taste buds dance
- Aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, attracting hungry guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare the beef filling while they cool. Assemble everything in a baking dish, ensuring even distribution of sauce for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor blend.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ricotta for creaminess; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture
- Avoid overcooking pasta shells; they should be firm enough to hold filling without breaking
- Layer extra sauce on top before baking to keep stuffed shells moist and flavorful
Memories of family gatherings flood back when I serve these stuffed shells, as everyone rushes to the table, eager for their share—a true crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Try cottage cheese or mascarpone as a delicious alternative to ricotta.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian classic that promises to delight your taste buds. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich mixture of ground beef and creamy ricotta, then baked in zesty marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or cozy date nights, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can create a delicious meal that feels special without the fuss.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and mix in ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta-beef mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour remaining sauce over the shells.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil (avoid contact with cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
