Luscious Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

My recent culinary experiment with creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells sparked unexpected delight in my kitchen.

pasta shells became the perfect vessel for a rich, meaty filling that melts hearts.

Italian comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than this delectable dish.

Cheese and ground beef combine in a harmony that feels both luxurious and homey.

Weeknight dinners need serious upgrades, and this recipe delivers precisely that excitement.

Each shell promises a burst of flavor that connects you to traditional cooking techniques.

Dive into this recipe, and you might just discover your new favorite meal.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Standout Qualities

• Embrace Comfort Food Bliss: Dive into a hearty pasta dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with every single bite.
• Whip Up Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making dinnertime a delightful gathering.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully flexible and personal.

Ingredient Checklist for Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the stuffed shells.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create perfect pockets for holding the delicious filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, stretchy topping.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring depth and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
• Tomato Basil Sauce: Provides moisture and a classic Italian-style sauce base for the stuffed shells.

Steps for Assembling Stuffed Pasta Shells with Beef

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

This sets the stage for a mouthwatering pasta adventure.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta shells in salted water until they reach that ideal al dente texture.

Gently drain and let them cool down, giving them a moment to rest.

Step 3: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and transform the ground beef into a golden-brown masterpiece.

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano

Cook until the aromas dance and mingle, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Create the Magical Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Pecorino Romano
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until everything hugs together beautifully.

Step 5: Build the Pasta Foundation

Spread a generous layer of tomato basil sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a zesty base.

Step 6: Stuff Those Shells

Lovingly fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, nestling them closely together in the dish.

Step 7: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Cascade the remaining sauce over the shells, then sprinkle a snowy layer of mozzarella on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, then unveil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

Allow the dish to cool slightly, shower with chopped parsley, and serve while still warm and inviting.

Pro Suggestions for Rich, Creamy Shell Filling

• Rinse cooked shells under cold water and drizzle with olive oil to keep them from clumping together before stuffing.
• Finely chop or break ground beef into small pieces for even distribution and smoother filling consistency.
• Mix different cheese types like Pecorino Romano and mozzarella for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking.
• Pat ground beef dry after cooking to prevent excess liquid in the filling and maintain a creamy texture.

Mix-In Ideas for Stuffed Shells Pasta Lovers

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free for celiac or sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Pecorino Romano for queso fresco, and incorporate taco seasoning to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with blanched zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy filling's flavor profile.

Presentation Suggestions for Beef Stuffed Shells

• Family Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings freshness to the rich pasta.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp on top for extra protein and a delightful seafood twist that elevates the dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy, savory shells with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the robust beef and cheese flavors.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and complete the comforting Mediterranean-style dinner.

Best Storage Solutions for Stuffed Shell Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Ricotta provides a creamy, smooth texture that blends perfectly with the beef. Its mild flavor complements the meat and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. It’s leaner and will work well with the same seasonings and cheese mixture in the recipe.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy shells and mild seasoning make it a great option for children. The combination of pasta, beef, and cheese is typically appealing to kids.

• How can I make this dish a bit spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use a spicy tomato sauce. You can also include some diced jalapeños in the cheese filling for an extra kick of heat.

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ricotta beef stuffed shells deliver a mouthwatering Italian-American comfort classic brimming with rich flavors and hearty satisfaction. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and pasta shells create a delicious meal that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten

Herbs, Seasonings, and Sauce:

• 2 1/2 cups tomato basil sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to create an ideal cooking environment for the pasta dish.
2. Immerse pasta shells in generously salted boiling water, cooking until they reach a tender al dente texture. Carefully drain and allow to cool slightly.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, transform ground beef into a rich brown color. Incorporate minced garlic and oregano, sautéing until the aromatics release their fragrant essence. Remove from heat once thoroughly cooked.
4. Combine the cooled seasoned beef with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, sharp Pecorino Romano, a whisked egg, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
5. Create a flavorful foundation by spreading tomato basil sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Delicately stuff each pasta shell with the robust beef and cheese mixture, arranging them snugly within the prepared dish.
7. Lavish the shells with remaining tomato sauce, then crown with a generous sprinkle of additional mozzarella cheese.
8. Shield the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Allow the dish to rest briefly, then enhance with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. Serve while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Use whole wheat shells for a healthier twist, adding extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
• Allow ricotta mixture to rest for 10 minutes before stuffing to enhance flavor melding and texture consistency.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, alternative protein options that work beautifully in this recipe.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg