Hello, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance – Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells with a Creamy Ricotta Filling. Imagine tender pasta shells loaded with a savory beef mixture, blended with creamy ricotta and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Jumbo Pasta Shells – 12-15 shells
These oversized pasta shells are perfect for holding a hearty filling. Cook them al dente to make stuffing easier.
Ground Beef – 1 lb (450g)
Adds a rich, meaty flavor to the filling. Go for lean beef to avoid excess grease.
Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup
Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the beef. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing.
Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, shredded
Melts beautifully on top, adding a gooey texture. You can also sprinkle some inside the filling for extra cheesiness.
Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
Adds a salty, nutty depth to the filling. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best!
Marinara Sauce – 2 cups
Provides a tangy, rich base for baking the stuffed shells. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for a fresher taste.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Enhances the beef’s flavor with a touch of warmth. Finely mince it to avoid overpowering bites.
Italian Seasoning – 1 tsp
Brings a balanced blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to the dish.
Salt & Pepper – to taste
Essential for seasoning the beef and ricotta filling to bring out the flavors.
Fresh Parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
A bright garnish that adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until they are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Gently spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each shell and place them in the dish, open side up.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the shells for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy!

Equipment Needed for This Recipe

Large Pot – for boiling pasta.
Skillet – to brown the ground beef.
Mixing Bowl – for combining the ricotta and beef mixture.
Baking Dish – a 9×13 inch dish works great for this recipe.
Foil – to cover the dish during baking for even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you like, try substituting ricotta with cottage cheese, or add shredded cheddar for a sharper taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the shells and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the bake time.

What other fillings can I try?
You can make this dish vegetarian by using a mix of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta. Try adding Italian sausage or shredded chicken for different flavors.

What sides go well with stuffed shells?
A fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this dish.

There you have it – a warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. I hope you enjoyed making these Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells! Don’t forget to share this recipe on Facebook or save it on Pinterest for later. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Filling are a family favorite! Imagine tender pasta shells stuffed with savory beef and creamy ricotta, topped with bubbly mozzarella. Perfect for any cozy dinner night!

Instructions

Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
In a bowl, combine the beef, ricotta, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Mix well.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup marinara in a baking dish.
Stuff each shell with beef mixture and place in the dish. Pour remaining marinara over the shells and top with mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.