Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

ByLovely Recipes

Introduction

This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings the perfect combination of tender pasta, rich beef filling, and creamy ricotta cheese. Baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich & Creamy – Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create the perfect blend.
  • Flavor-Packed – Seasoned beef, garlic, and Italian spices bring bold taste.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
  • Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Shells:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling pasta)

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add olive oil and cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
  2. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

  1. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley.
  2. Add the cooled beef mixture and combine thoroughly.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Fill each pasta shell with 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta-beef mixture and place in the dish.
  4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
  5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  3. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercook the shells as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
  • Use Fresh Herbs – Adds a burst of flavor.
  • Add Spinach – Mix in chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
  • Make It Spicier – Add crushed red pepper to the filling for a kick.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze assembled (unbaked) shells for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40 minutes.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

Enjoy this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta, a cozy and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!