Description
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a hearty, flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a rich, cheesy ground beef mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting meal is easy to make ahead and totally customizable!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart. Add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until smooth. Add the beef mixture and stir until well mixed.
- Stuff the Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese filling and arrange in the dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the shells cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge, then bake when ready.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish without baking. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Variations: Try swapping the beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey. You can also add veggies like sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a different twist!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg