The Perfect Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy, cheesy shells burst with rich flavor in this delightful ricotta stuffed shells recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

pasta lovers will swoon over these tender jumbo shells generously filled with smooth ricotta cheese.

Each shell cradles a delectable mixture of herbs and creamy cheese that melts perfectly in your mouth.

Warm marinara sauce cascades over the stuffed shells, creating a mouthwatering presentation that screams home-cooked goodness.

The combination of soft pasta, tangy cheese, and savory sauce makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Stuffed Shell Equipment List

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta shells with plenty of salted water.
• Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking seasonings.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining beef, ricotta, and cheese mixture.
• Baking Dish: Used to hold and bake the stuffed shells.
• Saucepan: Necessary for creating the creamy marinara sauce.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked pasta shells.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping garlic and herbs.

How to Make Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

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

This is where the magic begins for our delicious pasta adventure.

Step 2: Boil Those Shells

Grab a big pot and get the water dancing with salt.

Toss in the pasta shells and cook them until they’re perfectly tender.

Once done, drain and set them aside, ready for their cheesy filling.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Heat up a skillet and let the ground beef sizzle.

Break it down into small crumbles as it cooks.

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook until the beef is golden brown and smelling incredible.

Let it cool down for a few minutes.

Step 4: Create The Dreamy Filling

• Cooked beef
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg

Mix everything until it’s beautifully blended and creamy.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Nestle them snugly in a baking dish, ready for their saucy bath.

Step 6: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, marry the marinara sauce and heavy cream.

Stir over medium heat until it’s warm and inviting.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Build The Masterpiece

Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure every shell gets a cozy sauce blanket.

Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for that irresistible cheesy crown.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

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

Bake for 25 minutes.

Then, unveil the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Finish And Feast

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a moment.

Scatter some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Creamy Stuffed Shells

• Toast Italian herbs in the skillet before adding ground beef to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more intense flavors.
• Let the cheese mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before stuffing shells to ensure smoother, more even distribution.
• Slightly undercook shells during initial boiling, as they'll continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta.
• Replace pasta shells with zucchini boats or bell pepper halves for a gluten-free, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the delicious filling.
• Assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

Stuffed Shell Mix-In Options

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or roasted mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that keeps the creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Use large zucchini boats or blanched cabbage leaves instead of pasta shells, maintaining the delicious beef and cheese filling while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or use cauliflower as a base, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and include pepper jack cheese to transform the recipe into a zesty southwestern-style stuffed shell experience.

Serving Stuffed Shells Pasta

• Family Feast Companion: Invite the whole family to enjoy this hearty pasta dish together, creating warm memories around the dinner table.
• Fresh Green Delight: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the beef and cheese flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon for an elevated dining experience.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Offer warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Storing Beef Stuffed Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content is ideal. It provides enough flavor and moisture without making the filling too greasy.

• Can I substitute ricotta cheese with another cheese?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone can work as alternatives. They’ll provide similar creaminess and texture to the filling, though the taste might slightly differ.

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Let them cool slightly before filling, and use a small spoon to carefully stuff the mixture without applying too much pressure.

Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Perks

• Rich, cheesy pasta shells packed with seasoned beef create a heartwarming meal perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring delicious results without complicated techniques.
• One-pan preparation and minimal ingredient list transform dinner into a stress-free experience, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping ground beef with turkey or adding extra herbs and spices to match personal flavor preferences and dietary needs.

Stuffed Shell Ingredients Guide

Main Ingredients:

Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells are the perfect vessel for holding the rich and creamy beef filling.

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides a hearty and flavorful protein base for the stuffing.

Ricotta Cheese: Soft and creamy ricotta adds a luxurious texture to the beef mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses create a melty, golden topping and add depth of flavor to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce, Heavy Cream: A creamy tomato sauce that brings moisture and richness to the stuffed shells.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices and seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the beef filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pasta shells stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese create a comforting Italian classic that delights dinner guests. Marinara sauce and melted mozzarella complete this simple yet elegant meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for a delectable pasta transformation.
2. Submerge pasta shells into vigorously boiling, salted water, cooking until they reach a tender al dente state. Carefully drain and reserve.
3. Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium heat, browning thoroughly. Infuse with aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until fragrant. Allow mixture to cool momentarily.
4. Craft the luxurious filling by blending cooked beef with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, aged Parmesan, and a binding egg. Stir until ingredients harmonize perfectly.
5. Delicately nestle the robust beef and cheese mixture into each waiting pasta shell, arranging them snugly within a baking vessel.
6. Construct a velvety sauce by marrying marinara with rich heavy cream over gentle heat. Incorporate Parmesan, stirring until it dissolves into a smooth, indulgent coating.
7. Lavish the stuffed shells with the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Crown the dish with an additional layer of mozzarella cheese.
8. Shield the creation with aluminum foil, baking for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Rescue the dish from the oven, allowing brief moments to settle. Embellish with fresh basil or parsley before presenting this comforting culinary artwork.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the same rich flavor profile.
• Always drain excess fat from the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture in the final dish.
• Consider preparing the shells and filling ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to bake for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg