Description
Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and seasonings. Baked to perfection in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. It is easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
20 large pasta shells
For the Filling
1 pound ground beef
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Sauce
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta shells until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cook until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat.
Allow the beef to cool slightly.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and the beaten egg.
Mix in fresh basil (if using) and the cooled beef mixture.
Stuff the Shells
Fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling.
Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Assemble the Dish
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Place stuffed shells in a single layer.
Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Stuffed Shells
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Customization: Try using ground turkey, Italian sausage, or adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian