Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta 🍝
These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a deliciously comforting pasta dish filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a blend of Italian cheeses. Baked to perfection in marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any night you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 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, finely chopped
- 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 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Ricotta Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley or basil. Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each shell with the beef and ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, open side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the 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 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a slight kick.
- If you prefer a creamy sauce, mix ½ cup heavy cream into the marinara sauce before pouring over the shells.