Are you searching for a hearty, delicious pasta dish that the entire family will adore? Look no further than creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells! Packed with savory beef, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, this recipe transforms jumbo pasta shells into an irresistible baked pasta dish. In this article, you’ll discover why ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta is a comfort food staple and exactly how to perfect it in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Makes Beef Stuffed Shells the Ultimate Comfort Food
- Start with Jumbo Pasta Shells:
Use jumbo pasta shells filled as the base—they’re perfect for holding generous fillings and bake beautifully until tender. - Prepare a Savory Filling:
Fill the easy stuffed shells with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. - Layer with Marinara Sauce:
Add a tangy layer of marinara sauce that complements the creamy ricotta and savory beef mixture, tying all the flavors together. - Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:
Transfer the stuffed shells to a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. This step locks in the richness and comfort. - Enjoy the Perfect Texture:
The result is a warm, cheesy filling wrapped in tender pasta—creating a satisfying texture that’s beloved by both kids and adults. - A Family Favorite for Any Occasion:
This versatile recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, making it a true comfort food classic.
Cooking the pasta Shells to Al Dente Perfection
Cooking large pasta shells correctly is critical to the success of any stuffed shells recipe. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells, cooking them to al dente according to package instructions—usually around 9-11 minutes.
Once cooked, carefully drain the shells and rinse gently with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool. Cooking shells to al dente ensures they maintain their shape and texture during the baking process.
Preparing the Creamy Cheese Ricotta stuffed shells Mixture
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese – the creamy base of your filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds gooey, melty texture
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – brings a savory, nutty depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic flavor
- ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained – adds color and nutrition
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese (optional) – for extra creaminess
- Salt and pepper, to taste – enhances and balances all flavors
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, minced garlic, and spinach.
- If using, add the cottage cheese for extra richness.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed into a smooth, creamy ricotta mixture.
- Set aside while you prepare add the ground beef.
Making the Savory Ground beef and ricotta Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces and cooking until no longer pink. For added flavor, sauté garlic with the ground beef until fragrant. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then stir in your favorite homemade marinara sauce, simmering briefly to combine flavors.
For additional depth, you may substitute ground beef with lean ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before combining it with the cheese mixture.
Assembling and Baking Your Ricotta beef stuffed shells recipe
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. To stuff the shells, carefully spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each jumbo shell until generously filled. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring they are closely nestled together.
Cover the shells with additional marinara sauce, then sprinkle a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Can You Make Stuffed Shells with Meat Ahead of Time.
One great advantage of ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta is their convenience. Stuffed shells with ground beef can easily be prepared in advance, refrigerated, or even frozen for later enjoyment. Simply assemble the shells in a baking dish, cover them tightly with foil or place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to two days.
To freeze, arrange the unbaked shells on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake directly from the refrigerator or freezer, adding extra cooking time as necessary until thoroughly heated and cheese is bubbly.
FAQs
How long are stuffed shells good for?
Stuffed shells in an airtight container will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cool the dish completely before transferring the stuffed pasta shells into a sealed container to maintain freshness. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, cover with foil and bake until hot and cheese is bubbly.
What do I need for stuffed shells with meat?
To make this recipe for stuffed shells with meat, you’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, garlic, and marinara sauce for the meat filling. Start by cooking ground beef and cook with garlic, cooking until fragrant. For the cheese layer, combine the ricotta with parmesan and mozzarella. Finally, arrange the shells in a baking dish, filling each pasta shell with the beef mixture, then cover with sauce and cheese before baking.
What cheese is used for stuffed shells?
The classic cheese trio includes ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Most recipes combine the ricotta with seasonings and spinach, then add a cup of mozzarella cheese into the mix or sprinkle it over the top before baking. This combination gives the shells with ricotta a creamy texture and golden finish when baked. Some variations may use cottage cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra richness.
What goes with stuffed shells for dinner?
Stuffed pasta is hearty and pairs well with lighter sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a balanced meal, you might also add a protein like grilled chicken or Italian sausage. Since stuffed pasta shells are rich and cheesy, these lighter accompaniments help balance the plate without overwhelming the palate.
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese – the creamy base of your filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds gooey melty texture
½ cup grated parmesan cheese – brings a savory, nutty depth
- 2 cloves garlic minced – for aromatic flavor
½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained – adds color and nutrition
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese optional – for extra creaminess
Salt and pepper, to taste – enhances and balances all flavors
Instructions
Start with Jumbo Pasta Shells:
- Use jumbo pasta shells filled as the base—they’re perfect for holding generous fillings and bake beautifully until tender.
- Prepare a Savory Filling:
Fill the easy stuffed shells with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Layer with Marinara Sauce:
- Add a tangy layer of marinara sauce that complements the creamy ricotta and savory beef mixture, tying all the flavors together.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:
- Transfer the stuffed shells to a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. This step locks in the richness and comfort.
- Enjoy the Perfect Texture:
The result is a warm, cheesy filling wrapped in tender pasta—creating a satisfying texture that’s beloved by both kids and adults.
- A Family Favorite for Any Occasion:
- This versatile recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, making it a true comfort food classic.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 720mg
📂 Recipe Category:
- Course: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High-Protein, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Keyword: Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells, Stuffed Pasta, Creamy Ricotta, Ground Beef Pasta
- Skill Level: Intermediate
