Dive into the comforting world of Italian cuisine with our delightful Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. This recipe effortlessly combines the hearty satisfaction of seasoned ground beef with the luscious creaminess of ricotta cheese, all wrapped neatly in tender jumbo pasta shells. It’s then nestled in a rich marinara sauce and crowned with a blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella. With each bite, you’re met with a burst of savory flavors. It’s an ideal choice for a comforting family meal or a charming dinner with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, this dish is both approachable and sophisticated in its simplicity.
One of the key appeals of Beef-Stuffed Shells is the way in which it marries traditional Italian flavors with a twist that’s both modern and inviting. Perfectly cooked pasta shells become the vessel for rustic, zesty fillings that speak to both comforting familiar tastes and new culinary adventures. Plus, this dish serves up a wonderful balance of textures—the firm bite of pasta giving way to the creamy, savory filling, culminating in the perfect, cheesy topping. What’s more, this recipe boasts a flexibility that’s sure to make it a staple in your recipe rotation. Gluten-free? Whole grain? You name it, these shells adapt beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Beef-Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Flavorful and Filling: The combination of seasoned beef and creamy ricotta creates a filling that’s both rich and satisfying.
- Perfectly Baked: Baking in marinara sauce keeps the shells moist and enhances their flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance, making dinner time stress-free.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein and dairy, this meal offers a wholesome combination for any diet.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you get started with assembling the Beef-Stuffed Shells, it’s important to set up your kitchen for culinary success. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), a critical step to ensure even cooking. Next, prepare a large pot of salted water to boil the pasta shells—this should ideally be done on one of the larger burners for efficiency.
You’ll want a large skillet handy for browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic. This step requires attention, as the aim is to achieve a tender, flavorful base without overcooking. Additionally, a large mixing bowl will be crucial for combining the cooked ingredients with the ricotta and cheeses to prepare the filling. Lastly, you’ll need a 9×13 baking dish, the perfect size to accommodate the stuffed shells snugly without crowding.
Having the right tools, like a sharp chef’s knife for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic, as well as a dependable spatula for stirring, can make your preparation smooth and efficient. Consider this setup your foundation for layering flavors and creating a seamless cooking experience.
Ingredients
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 24
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Egg: 1 large
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Marinara Sauce: 3 cups
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Kick off your cooking by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a generous pot of salted water for the pasta shells—it needs to be seasoned well to bring out the natural flavor of the pasta. Add the jumbo shells once the water is boiling and cook them until they are al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set these aside as they cool, ready to be filled with our delicious mixture.
Step 2: Sauté and Savor
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour a splash of oil (if desired) and sauté the diced yellow onions until they become translucent and tender. At this point, introduce the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until it has browned evenly. Add the minced garlic, allowing the flavors to develop for another minute. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light—but not lacking in flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Concoct
It’s now time to create the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the components are fully integrated, creating a creamy, seasoned filling that will form the heart of your stuffed shells.
Step 4: Assemble To Impress
Spoon a cup of marinara sauce evenly across the base of your 9×13 baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Nestle each shell in the prepared dish, giving each a space to allow for even cooking and moisture.
Step 5: Sauce and Sprinkle
With all your shells snugly arranged, pour over the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring it covers the tops of the shells to keep them from drying during baking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella generously over the dish, promising that melted, bubbly cheese texture we all love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil, sealing in heat and flavor, and bake for 25 minutes. To finish, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is gloriously melted and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Glory
Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve piping hot, ideally with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for different dietary needs.
- Vegetables: Add some spinach or zucchini to the filling mixture to increase the dish’s nutritional value and introduce a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for additional heat and smokiness.
Cooking Notes
- Ensuring your pasta shells are cooked al dente is key, as they will continue cooking in the oven and must hold their shape.
- For a smoother filling, ensure the beef mixture cools slightly before adding to the cheese and egg, as this prevents the egg from cooking prematurely.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a rustic garlic bread that’s lightly toasted for scooping up extra sauce.
- A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette mirrors the fresh flavors in the dish perfectly.
Tips
- Prepare the filling a day in advance to save time; it also allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you prefer more cheese, you can add additional mozzarella to the filling for an extra gooey texture.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 465 per serving
- Protein: 26g per serving
- Sodium: 980mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While jumbo shells are traditional, you can use manicotti tubes or even lasagna sheets rolled around the filling.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the pasta shells with a gluten-free variety available in most grocery stores to make this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can this be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze assembled yet unbaked shells. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and bake from frozen, adding an additional 15 minutes of covered baking time.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese blended smooth or mascarpone can serve as a substitute, though note they may alter the texture slightly.
Conclusion
In closing, Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling stands out as a classic Italian comfort dish with a compelling flair. It’s the perfect fusion of robust flavors and soothing textures, making it irresistibly delicious. Whether you follow the recipe faithfully or adapt it to incorporate new flavors or dietary preferences, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We encourage you to try the recipe and even add your creative twist—you might just discover a new family favorite! Remember, cooking is an adventure, and each dish tells its own story on the plate. Share your experience with us in the comments or tag your creation on social media. Bon Appétit!
Print
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Dive into the comforting world of Italian cuisine with our delightful Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling.
Ingredients
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 24
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Egg: 1 large
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Marinara Sauce: 3 cups
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Kick off your cooking by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a generous pot of salted water for the pasta shells—it needs to be seasoned well to bring out the natural flavor of the pasta. Add the jumbo shells once the water is boiling and cook them until they are al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set these aside as they cool, ready to be filled with our delicious mixture.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, pour a splash of oil (if desired) and sauté the diced yellow onions until they become translucent and tender. At this point, introduce the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until it has browned evenly. Add the minced garlic, allowing the flavors to develop for another minute. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light—but not lacking in flavor.
- It’s now time to create the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the components are fully integrated, creating a creamy, seasoned filling that will form the heart of your stuffed shells.
- Spoon a cup of marinara sauce evenly across the base of your 9×13 baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Nestle each shell in the prepared dish, giving each a space to allow for even cooking and moisture.
- With all your shells snugly arranged, pour over the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring it covers the tops of the shells to keep them from drying during baking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella generously over the dish, promising that melted, bubbly cheese texture we all love.
- Cover your masterpiece with foil, sealing in heat and flavor, and bake for 25 minutes. To finish, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is gloriously melted and golden.
- Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve piping hot, ideally with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
Ensure your pasta shells are cooked al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven and must hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Protein: 26 g