Let’s talk comfort food ooey, gooey, cheesy comfort food. These Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta are exactly what you need when the craving for something hearty, warm, and incredibly satisfying hits. Imagine jumbo pasta shells overflowing with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.

This dish feels like a big cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner, feeding a crowd, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a total winner. Plus, it’s got that made-from-scratch feel without the stress trust me, you’re going to want this one on repeat.

Why You’ll Love Beef Stuffed Shells Ricotta

This recipe isn’t just about cheesy, beefy goodness—it’s about bringing people together over a dish that feels like home. Here’s why it’s a staple you’ll want to keep in your rotation:

Versatile: Great for dinners, potlucks, or freezing for a rainy day. These stuffed shells are always a good idea.

Budget-Friendly: Pasta, ground beef, and a few pantry staples come together in the most delicious way without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Don’t let the impressive appearance fool you this dish is surprisingly easy to pull together, especially if you prep the filling ahead of time.

Customizable: Swap beef for turkey, add some spinach, or mix in different cheeses to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a cheesy, saucy, meaty dream basically impossible not to love. Perfect for picky eaters and enthusiastic foodies alike.

Ingredients in Beef Stuffed Shells Ricotta

This dish comes together with simple ingredients that pack a major flavor punch. Here’s the lineup:

Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are the perfect little pockets for all that savory filling.

Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory richness to the filling. Cooked with onions and garlic for extra flavor.

Ricotta Cheese: The creamy component of the filling it adds richness and keeps everything soft and velvety.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy, mozzarella is layered inside the filling and sprinkled on top for that golden, bubbly finish.

Parmesan Cheese: Brings in that salty, nutty edge to round out the flavors.

Marinara Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good sauce is essential. It brings everything together with its rich, tomatoey base.

Egg: Helps bind the filling so it stays neatly tucked into the shells.

Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby punch that makes everything taste like it came straight from your favorite Italian kitchen.

Onion and Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant and soft these are the aromatic base that builds big flavor from the start.

Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): For garnish and a pop of color and freshness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious baked pasta dish:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your baking dish ready by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat with chopped onions and garlic until browned and fragrant. Drain any excess fat. Let it cool slightly.

Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined and creamy.

Fill the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each shell with the beef and ricotta mixture. Nestle them into the prepared baking dish on top of the sauce.

Top and Bake: Once all shells are arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and some extra Parmesan if desired. Cover with foil.

Cook to Perfection: Bake covered for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finishing Touches: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop those beautiful stuffed shells onto plates and serve with extra sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~420 calories
(Note: approximate values may vary based on ingredients used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Beef Stuffed Shells Ricotta

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it a feast. Here are a few ideas:
– Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up all that extra sauce.
– A simple green salad with Italian vinaigrette makes a fresh, crunchy contrast.
– Add some roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:
– Don’t overcook the shells they’ll continue cooking in the oven and you don’t want them too soft.
– Make it ahead! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
– Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy weekday lunches or quick dinners.
– Want extra flavor? Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef or mix the two.

FAQ’s

1 Can I freeze Beef Stuffed Shells Ricotta?
Yes! Assemble the dish and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

2 Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works in a pinch and adds a similar creamy texture.

3 What’s the best sauce to use?
A good-quality marinara or tomato basil sauce works best. Homemade or store-bought—either is great!

4 How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Rinse them with cool water after cooking and toss them lightly with oil if needed.

5 Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work beautifully in this recipe.

6 Do I have to use an egg in the filling?
The egg helps bind the filling, but if you’re avoiding it, you can skip it. Just expect a slightly looser texture.

7 Can I add spinach or other vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions to the filling.

8 How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

9 Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free jumbo shells and check your sauce for hidden gluten.

10 Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?
Totally! Just use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones it scales up beautifully.

Conclusion

Beef Stuffed Shells Ricotta is the ultimate comfort food cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s a go-to recipe for cozy nights, family dinners, or feeding a crowd with love and simplicity. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite that deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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