Picture this: a bubbling baking dish emerges from your oven, filled with tender jumbo pasta shells, each one packed with a hearty, savory blend of seasoned ground beef and creamy, dreamy ricotta cheese. It’s all nestled in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden, stretchy layer of melted mozzarella. This is Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta the ultimate comfort food that turns a simple weeknight into a special occasion.
This dish is the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” It’s impressively delicious yet surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Unlike traditional ricotta-only stuffed shells, the addition of ground beef makes them more substantial and satisfying, a complete meal in one dish. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create this restaurant-worthy baked pasta at home. Get ready to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and earn rave reviews from your family!
Ingredients for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 6 generous servings. For the best flavor, use whole-milk ricotta and good-quality marinara.
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 24-28 jumbo pasta shells (from a 12oz box)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15oz) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
For the Assembly & Baking:
- 1 (24oz) jar good-quality marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade)
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for the dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple, numbered steps for perfect Beef-Stuffed Shells every time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 2-3 minutes LESS than the package instructions for al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven, and this prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Drain the shells carefully in a colander and immediately rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process. This also makes them easier to handle.
- Drizzle them with a tiny bit of olive oil and gently toss to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains.
- Stir in the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This is crucial so the hot beef doesn’t cook the egg in the next step.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup of the grated parmesan, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and the chopped parsley.
- Once the beef mixture has cooled, add it to the cheese bowl.
- Using a spatula or fork, mix everything together until fully and evenly combined. Your filling is now ready!
H2: Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Take a cooked shell in your hand. Using a teaspoon, a small cookie scoop, or your fingers, generously fill each shell with the beef and ricotta mixture. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in the baking dish. Repeat until all shells and filling are used.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, spreading it gently to cover most of them.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has golden spots.
- For an extra-golden top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely!
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Helpful Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells
- Avoid Soggy Shells: The key is undercooking the pasta initially. An al dente start is essential.
- Drain the Beef: If your ground beef releases a lot of grease, drain it in a colander before adding it to the cheese mixture. This prevents a greasy filling.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- Freezing Instructions: Assemble the unbaked dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
- Variations: Feel free to swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based meat alternative. Add a handful of chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for extra veggies.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Dinner Awaits
These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta are more than just a meal; they’re a warm, cheesy, deeply satisfying experience. The combination of savory beef, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is straightforward enough for any night of the week.
Don’t just take our word for it preheat that oven, boil those shells, and get stuffing! We promise the incredible smells and the happy faces around your dinner table will make it worth the effort. This recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home cooking repertoire.
Tag us on social media when you make yours! We love seeing your creations. #BeefStuffedShells #ComfortFoodDinner
