Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! This dish is the ultimate comfort food—think hearty pasta shells cradling a luscious mixture of ground beef and rich, creamy ricotta. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s a classic in Italian cuisine, and trust me, it never fails to impress. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, these stuffed shells bring everyone together around the table, sharing bites and smiles. You just can’t beat that warm, homey feeling!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (I love using lean beef for a little less grease!)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (make sure it’s creamy and fresh for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (who doesn’t love that melty goodness?)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nice salty kick)
- 1 egg (this helps bind everything together, trust me on this!)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, whatever you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (adds that classic Italian flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Prepping the Pasta and Filling
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions—about 10-12 minutes should do it. You want them al dente since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside to cool a bit. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s completely cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat; we want all those flavors, not grease!
Assembling the Dish
Now comes the fun part—filling those shells! In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked beef until everything is well mixed. Grab a spoon, and fill each pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture—don’t be shy! Once all the shells are filled, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle the rest of that gooey mozzarella on top; it’s going to melt into cheesy perfection!
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and once it’s ready, pop that dish in! Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly, and the cheese is all melty and irresistible. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t over-bake! Trust me, there’s nothing better than pulling a bubbling dish out of the oven—it’s pure comfort food bliss!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling come out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, you want your shells to be al dente! They’ll continue cooking in the oven, and overcooked shells can become mushy and break apart.
- Season Your Beef: Don’t forget to season your ground beef while it’s cooking! A little salt and pepper goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the filling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ricotta and quality marinara sauce make a huge difference in taste. If you can, go for homemade marinara—it’s so worth it!
- Fill Generously: Don’t be shy when filling those shells! Stuff them good; you want each bite to be bursting with flavor and creaminess.
- Cover While Baking: If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, cover your baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent burning. Then, remove it for the last 10 minutes to let that cheese bubble.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your stuffed shells sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps them set up a bit and makes them easier to serve.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your delicious beef stuffed shells! Enjoy the process, and remember, cooking is all about having fun!
Variations on Beef Stuffed Shells
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, here are some fun variations I love to try:
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. It’s just as delicious and still packed with flavor!
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can even add a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess!
- Veggie-Packed: Add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies and boost the nutrition!
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling. It adds a delightful kick that’s oh-so-tasty!
- Italian Sausage: Use crumbled Italian sausage instead of ground beef for that authentic Italian flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasonings since sausage can be quite flavorful on its own!
- Caprese Style: Incorporate fresh basil and cherry tomatoes into the filling for a Caprese-inspired version. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a burst of flavor!
- Pesto Delight: Mix in a few tablespoons of pesto with the ricotta for a herby and aromatic flavor explosion that takes these stuffed shells to another level!
Whatever variation you choose, just remember to have fun with it! This dish is all about personalizing it to your taste, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dig into these delicious beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve included some typical nutritional values for one stuffed shell—like around 350 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbs—it’s always a good idea to calculate based on what you have on hand. Everyone’s kitchen is a little different, and that’s what makes cooking so fun! Enjoy every bite without worry!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these amazing beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create a complete and satisfying meal! Trust me, the right sides can elevate your dinner experience to a whole new level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm loaf of garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce and adds that crunchy, buttery goodness to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad is always a hit! The crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons are a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a pop of color and nutrition. Plus, they balance out the hearty pasta dish nicely!
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a delightful pairing. It’s light, fresh, and complements the flavors of the stuffed shells beautifully.
- Antipasto Platter: Create a fun antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and roasted peppers. It’s a great way to start the meal and offers a variety of flavors to enjoy.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can be a great way to cleanse the palate between bites of those rich stuffed shells.
Whatever you choose, just make sure to enjoy the entire meal with family and friends. Good food is best shared around the table, and these sides will make your beef stuffed shells even more delightful!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delicious beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—it may take a few extra minutes to heat through.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste fantastic, trust me! Just make sure to reheat them gently.
How do I reheat the stuffed shells?
To reheat, simply place the stuffed shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but I recommend adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly, especially with sausage, as it can be quite flavorful on its own!
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with cottage cheese or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a similar texture. Just blend it well so it’s nice and smooth!
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Perfect for a make-ahead meal!
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
If you’re looking for a change, you could use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist, or even a homemade pesto sauce for a fresh flavor profile. The options are endless!
How do I make these gluten-free?
Great question! Just make sure to use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and check your marinara sauce for any hidden gluten. You’ll still get all the deliciousness without the gluten!
I hope these FAQs help clear up any questions you might have. Cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Italian chicken panini recipe or this creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe!
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Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling is a hearty dish that combines pasta shells, ground beef, and a rich cheese mixture.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the cooked beef into the ricotta mixture.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use a different ground meat if desired.
- Top with fresh basil for added flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef stuffed shells, creamy ricotta filling, pasta dish