Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling : Easy Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a rich, cheesy, and meaty baked pasta dish on a cold winter evening. My Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling recipe is the perfect combination of Italian tradition and American indulgence hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.

This dish holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of bubbling marinara sauce filled the air. It’s a labor of love, but every bite is worth it. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to indulge in a cozy meal, these stuffed shells will quickly become a winter favorite.

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

Cuisine: Italian-American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: Depends on portion size (typically serves 6-8)

Ingredients for the Best Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

For the Shells and Filling:

• 1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells Perfectly

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2: Prepare the Savory Beef and Ricotta Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add finely diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing with the ricotta filling.

3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • Ricotta cheese
   • Shredded mozzarella
   • Grated Parmesan
   • Egg
   • Italian seasoning
   • Chopped parsley
2. Add the cooled cooked beef mixture and stir until well combined.

4: Make the Flavorful Marinara Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over low-medium heat.
2. Stir in oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

5: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Stuff each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the beef-ricotta mixture, then place them in the dish seam-side up.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
5. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Beef-Stuffed Shells and Serve

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

What to Serve with Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

To complete your Italian-American feast, consider pairing this dish with:
Garlic Bread : Buttery, crispy, and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad : A refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta.
A Glass of Red Wine : A robust Chianti or Zinfandel complements the beef and tomato sauce beautifully.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Winter

This beef-stuffed shells recipe is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. The warmth of baked pasta, the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella, and the savory beef filling make it ideal for cozying up indoors on a chilly evening.

Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal! You can assemble the dish, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

Don’t overcook the pasta : Slightly undercook the shells, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Use quality cheese : Whole-milk ricotta and freshly shredded mozzarella melt better and add a richer flavor.
Let it rest : Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
Freeze for later : Assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra 15 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Q: Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
A: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well. You can also make a vegetarian version using sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute increments.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love the comforting flavors of these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring more delicious dishes on our site. For another cozy and creamy pasta dish, try our Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi : A Comfort Food Masterpiece, perfect for a rich and indulgent meal. If you’re looking for something hearty and warming, Tuscan Bean Soup : A Hearty Comfort Dish for Every Occasion is a must-try, packed with wholesome flavors. And for a deep dive into the best beef cuts for pasta dishes, check out our Introduction to Beef Cuts for Pasta to enhance your next Italian-inspired meal.

Conclusion of Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish to warm up your winter nights, these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are the answer. This Italian-American classic brings together the best of both worlds comforting pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy, meaty filling.

Make it for Sunday dinner, serve it at a gathering, or meal-prep for the week ahead. Either way, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Have you tried this recipe?

Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Buon appetito!