Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling 🍝🧀
A comfort food classic with a hearty twist! These jumbo pasta shells are loaded with a savory beef and ricotta filling, blanketed in rich marinara, and baked to cheesy, bubbling perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving something truly satisfying!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
Salt, for boiling water
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
2 cups marinara sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until just al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside on a baking sheet, lightly coated with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Make the Beef Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in a little olive oil until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, fold it into the ricotta mixture until well combined. - Stuff the Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell generously with the beef-ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. - Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Once all shells are stuffed and arranged, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the shells. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
🍽️ Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 4–6
✨ These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are a family favorite, and sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Pin it, try it, and fall in love with every bite!