Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! They are absolutely divine and seriously one of my go-to comfort meals. Picture this: jumbo pasta shells, tender and perfectly cooked, packed to the brim with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and that luscious, creamy ricotta cheese. It’s like a hug in a dish! And the best part? They’re super easy to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a cozy gathering with friends. I love how the melted mozzarella and Parmesan on top get all bubbly and golden while the marinara sauce adds a lovely, tangy twist. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 12 jumbo pasta shells – These are the big, hearty shells that will hold all that delicious filling. Make sure to get the jumbo size for a satisfying bite!
- 1 pound ground beef – I prefer using lean ground beef for this recipe, but any ground meat you love will work just fine. It gives that savory depth to the dish.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – This creamy cheese is the star of the filling! It adds a luxurious texture, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Who doesn’t love gooey, melted mozzarella? It tops off the shells beautifully and adds that irresistible cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of this adds a lovely nuttiness and a bit of that classic Italian flavor we all adore.
- 1 cup marinara sauce – This is the tangy base that makes everything come together! You can use store-bought or homemade, depending on how much time you have.
- 1 egg – This helps bind the filling together. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in the texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must for that aromatic kick! It elevates the beef flavor and adds a wonderful warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs (like basil, oregano, and thyme) brings an authentic Italian vibe to your dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always season your food! Just a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can enhance all those delicious flavors.
How to Prepare Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want the cheese to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld together.
- Next, cook those jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want them firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart, so don’t overcook them!
- While those shells are cooking, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s nice and brown, drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being too greasy.
- Now, it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute or two until the spices are fragrant. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the seasoned beef mixture. Make sure everything is well combined—this filling is going to be the star!
- Now comes the fun part! Take a cooked shell and carefully fill it with your beef and cheese mixture. I like to use a spoon, but you could also use a piping bag for a cleaner fill.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This keeps those shells from sticking and adds a lovely flavor. Place the filled shells on top, snuggly in the dish.
- Once all the shells are in, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them, making sure to cover them well. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. You’ll know they’re ready when you see that bubbling goodness! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and hearty flavors that please even the pickiest eaters.
- A delightful combination of beef and creamy ricotta that’s simply irresistible.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
- Family-friendly and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Tips for Success
To make your beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the cooking of your pasta shells. Cooking them al dente is key to keeping them intact when you fill them. Also, make sure to let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding it to the ricotta. This helps maintain that creamy texture and prevents the cheese from melting prematurely.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped spinach or herbs into the filling for extra flavor and nutrition! And don’t forget to taste as you go—adjusting the seasoning can elevate your dish to a whole new level. Lastly, let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after baking to help the filling set. Trust me, these little details will make a big difference in your dish!
FAQ Section
Common Questions about Beef Stuffed Shells
Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils can work well. Just adjust your cooking times as needed.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for best results, or the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
Can I freeze beef stuffed shells? Definitely! Just freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
What can I serve with these stuffed shells? A simple side salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. It’s a great way to round out the meal!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one serving of these delicious beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling. Keep in mind that this can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
These shells are not only satisfying but also packed with protein, making them a hearty meal that the whole family will love!
Print
Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Delightful Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious dish of pasta shells filled with seasoned beef and creamy ricotta cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Mix well.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir in the beef mixture.
- Fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled shells on top.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use any ground meat as a substitute for beef if desired.
- Add chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: beef stuffed shells, creamy ricotta filling, Italian pasta dish