Cozy Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Filling Recipe: Family Joy

Pasta shells bursting with rich beef and creamy ricotta filling promise a delightful culinary adventure.

These savory shells deliver comfort in every bite.

The robust combination of ground beef and smooth ricotta creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Tender pasta pockets nestle a hearty meat mixture that melts in your mouth.

Each shell becomes a delectable package of pure satisfaction.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that brings warmth to the dinner table.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for capturing rich, creamy filling and creating impressive presentation.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds robust flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that provides smooth, luxurious consistency for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating irresistible stretchy texture and golden top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the filling.

• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
• Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and foundational flavor to the meat mixture.
• Basil: Offers fresh, herbal notes that brighten the entire dish.
• Oregano: Brings classic Italian herb essence and earthy undertones.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that adds moisture and traditional tangy tomato flavor.

Tools for Stuffed Shell

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing aromatics.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta filling ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Dish: Holds stuffed shells and allows even baking.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta shells.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps maintain precise ingredient quantities.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping garlic and onions.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during baking to prevent burning.

Assembling and Baking Beef-Stuffed Ricotta Shells

• Boil Pasta Shells

Get those jumbo shells cooking in a pot of salted water until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them chill out while you prep the other ingredients.

• Brown the Meat

Fire up a skillet and cook ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Toss in some aromatic garlic and onions to amp up the flavor. Make sure the meat is fully cooked and looking delicious.

• Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together creamy ricotta, a beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Fold in the seasoned beef for a mouthwatering mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the rich, meaty ricotta blend. Pack them generously so every bite is packed with flavor.

• Create the Baking Masterpiece

Spread a luscious layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce, then blanket them with more marinara and a generous sprinkle of extra cheese.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350F. Let it bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly heaven – about 25 minutes of pure anticipation.

• Serve and Devour

Pull out your culinary creation, let it cool briefly, then dive into these irresistible stuffed shells that are sure to become a family favorite.

Tips for Filling and Rich Flavor

• Slightly undercook pasta shells during initial boiling, ensuring they remain firm enough to hold filling without falling apart during baking.
• Prepare entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in refrigerator and adding 10-15 extra minutes to baking time when ready to serve.
• Replace ricotta with tofu-based ricotta alternative and use dairy-free mozzarella cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, maintaining similar creamy texture.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option, adjusting seasonings to complement the lighter meat's flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes to beef mixture for extra heat, or keep base recipe mild and offer hot sauce on side for individual preference and customization.

Serving Up Stuffed Shells Like an Italian Feast

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning appetizer spread by cutting the stuffed shells into bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a large platter with fresh basil garnish and small dipping sauces.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich beef shells with a crisp, light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve the shells directly in the baking dish at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy a communal, warm dining experience that brings people together.
• Wine & Dine Delight: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust beef and creamy cheese, elevating the meal from simple dinner to gourmet experience.

Best Way to Store Beef-Stuffed Shells for Later

• Store cooked beef-stuffed shells in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The ricotta filling stays creamy and maintains its delicious texture when properly sealed.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. These shells can stay frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or quality.
• Thaw frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and maintain moisture, ensuring the filling remains rich and creamy.
• Prepare extra shells during initial cooking and separate into single-serve containers. These ready-to-go meals become convenient lunch or dinner options during busy weekdays, saving time and reducing stress around meal planning.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like plant-based crumbles for a different protein option.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• How can I make the dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking, or mix some cayenne pepper into the ricotta filling for an extra kick of heat.

• What if I don't have jumbo shells?

You can use other pasta shapes like large tubes or even lasagna noodles rolled up as an alternative to jumbo shells.

Hearty Beef-Stuffed Shells With Ricotta Filling Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling delight pasta enthusiasts with Italian-inspired comfort. Melted cheese and hearty meat create a simple yet satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse jumbo shells in salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain and spread on a kitchen towel to cool and prevent adherence.
2. Meat Infusion: In a skillet, brown ground beef with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, creating a rich, fragrant foundation.
3. Cheese Composition: Blend ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper into a smooth mixture. Integrate the seasoned beef, creating a harmonious filling.
4. Shell Stuffing: Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef-ricotta mixture, ensuring complete coverage without compromising the shell’s integrity.
5. Baking Preparation: Spread a thin marinara layer in the baking dish, providing a flavorful base. Arrange stuffed shells compactly, covering with remaining sauce and sprinkling additional cheese.
6. Oven Transformation: Conceal with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Uncover for the final 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to caramelize and develop a golden crust.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the dish to settle briefly, enabling flavors to meld and filling to set before presenting this sumptuous Italian-inspired creation.

Notes

Prevent Shell Sticking: Gently separate boiled shells immediately after draining and lay them flat on a towel to avoid tearing and clumping during stuffing.

Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy filling and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.

Cheese Mixture Consistency: Whisk ricotta thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, even texture that blends seamlessly with the seasoned beef.

Baking Temperature Precision: Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make serving easier, preventing filling from spilling out when plated.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg