Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling 

This comforting and flavorful dish is the perfect family dinner that brings together rich ground beef creamy ricotta cheese and gooey melted mozzarella—all nestled in tender jumbo pasta shells. It’s a satisfying oven-baked meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or something special for guests, these beef-stuffed shells deliver homestyle flavor in every bite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4–5

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

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Stir in the cooked ground beef and mix until well combined.

Fill the shells: Carefully spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each pasta shell.

Assemble the dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Tips:

Don’t overcook the shells: Cook them until just al dente, as they’ll continue to soften in the oven. Overcooked shells may tear when filling.

Use a piping bag or zip-top bag: For neater filling, spoon the ricotta mixture into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe it into the shells.

Drain excess fat from beef: This keeps the filling from becoming greasy and helps the flavors shine.

Let them rest after baking: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.

Variations:

Spinach addition: Mix in 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach into the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef or marinara for a bit of heat.

Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different protein profile.

Cheese variety: Mix in other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for a gourmet twist.

White sauce version: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy alternative.

Make it ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.

Freeze it: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely! A good-quality jarred marinara works perfectly and saves time, but feel free to use homemade if preferred.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils to the ricotta mixture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

(Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.)

Conclusion:

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is the ultimate comfort dish that blends creamy savory and cheesy flavors into one irresistible bite. It’s easy to prepare, customizable for different diets and perfect for make-ahead dinners or feeding a crowd. With this recipe in your collection dinner success is just a bake away.