Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a comforting, Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella. Topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection, this dish makes for a cozy, family-friendly meal!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Shells and Filling:
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Ricotta Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, and parsley. Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff the Shells: Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture, then arrange them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
- This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.