Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a cozy meal packed with flavor. Big pasta shells cradle a savory mixture of creamy ricotta and seasoned beef, all covered in rich tomato sauce.
These stuffed shells are like warm hugs on a plate! I love making a big batch and enjoying leftovers for lunch. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are essential for holding all the delicious filling. If you can’t find jumbo shells, rigatoni or manicotti can work well, too!
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based beef for a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese gives a creamy texture to the filling. If you’re looking for a light option, cottage cheese can be a nice substitute. Just blend it first for a smoother consistency!
Cheese Blend: I use mozzarella and Parmesan, but you could try provolone or Romano cheese for a different flavor twist. Feel free to adjust according to what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure the Pasta Shells Don’t Stick and Fill Easily?
Properly cooking your pasta shells is crucial to keep them from sticking together. Make sure to cook them just until al dente, and follow these tips:
- Use plenty of salted water while boiling the shells; this adds flavor and helps them stay separate.
- After draining, rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Drizzle a little olive oil in the pot or on the shells to prevent sticking. This also adds a nice extra layer of flavor!
These steps will make stuffing the shells easier and ensure every bite is perfect! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Filling:
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 45 minutes. You’ll spend a little time cooking the shells, making the filling, and then baking everything together. It’s easy and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the stuffed shells.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Next, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Once they’re done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool a bit.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat once it’s done.
4. Add Flavor:
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about one more minute until it’s fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and half of the cooked ground beef mixture. Mix everything together until well blended.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps keep the shells from sticking and adds flavor!
7. Stuff the Shells:
Now for the fun part! Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-beef mixture. Place them seam side up in the prepared baking dish as you go.
8. Add More Sauce:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Make sure to coat them well so they stay nice and moist while baking.
9. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re covered for that cheesy goodness!
10. Bake:
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be bubbly and golden on top.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells! They make for a wonderful meal the whole family will love!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just cook it in the same way, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook a bit faster.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream. Both options will give you a similar creamy texture!
How to Store Leftover Stuffed Shells
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is fine, but take care to not dry them out!
Can I Freeze These Stuffed Shells?
Yes! Before baking, you can freeze the stuffed shells. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes for the baking time.
