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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

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Introduction

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish featuring jumbo shells packed with savory seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, all baked in rich marinara sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Classic Italian-style comfort food
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Great for feeding a crowd
  • Freezer-friendly

Ingredients (Serves 6)

Pasta & Filling

  • 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Optional Add-Ins

  • Spinach (finely chopped)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Mushrooms
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Tips for Success

✔ Cook shells just until al dente so they don’t tear

✔ Drain beef well to prevent watery filling

✔ Use a piping bag or spoon to fill shells neatly

✔ Let dish rest 10 minutes before serving

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta

Boil shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cool.

2. Cook Beef

In a skillet, cook ground beef and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat and cool slightly.

3. Make Filling

In a bowl, mix cooked beef, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble

Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish. Fill each shell with beef mixture and place in dish.

5. Top

Pour remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F / 190°C for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.

7. Serve

Garnish with herbs if desired and serve warm.

Flavor & Texture

  • Creamy, cheesy filling
  • Tender pasta shells
  • Savory seasoned beef
  • Rich tomato sauce

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 520
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Protein: 34 g

Conclusion

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is the ultimate baked pasta comfort dish—rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Sparkling lemonade or iced tea

Healthful Indulgence Tip

Use lean ground beef, part-skim ricotta, and reduced-fat mozzarella for a lighter version that still tastes indulgent.

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