Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Introduction

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a delicious and hearty dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and ground beef, topped with rich marinara and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels. Second, it combines familiar flavors that everyone loves. The cheesy filling and seasoned beef create a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet can be made in just a short time. Plus, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!

How to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Making Beef-Stuffed Shells is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
3. Prepare the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and remove from heat.
4. Make the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them in a baking dish.
6. Assemble and Bake: Top each shell with the beef mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve and enjoy this comforting, cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells dish!

How to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells

Beef-Stuffed Shells can be served on their own or with a side salad and garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a nice touch. It’s great for sharing and is sure to impress your guests!

How to Store Beef-Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze unused stuffed shells. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before baking!

Tips to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Mix Up the Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like adding ricotta to the meat mixture for extra creaminess.
3. Add Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding spinach or zucchini to the meat mixture.

Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Consider adding different spices or herbs to the ricotta mix, such as garlic or red pepper flakes, for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare and assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I serve with Beef-Stuffed Shells?
   A simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables would be great accompaniments.

3. Can I freeze the cooked Beef-Stuffed Shells?
   Absolutely! Just make sure they are cooled completely before wrapping and freezing them. They will stay good for up to 3 months.

Enjoy making and sharing Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling! Happy cooking!

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

---

• Author: olivia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and beef mixture, topped with marinara and melted cheese.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them in a baking dish.
6. Top each shell with the beef mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and enjoy this comforting, cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells dish!

Notes

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: beef stuffed shells, pasta, Italian recipe, comfort food