🧀 Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich ricotta and seasoned beef filling, baked in marinara sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese. This comforting Italian-American classic is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep! 😍
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 (12 oz) box jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (24–28 oz) jar marinara sauce
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and the cooled beef mixture. Mix until well combined.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Fill each cooked shell generously with the ricotta-beef mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine!
Tips:
Make ahead: Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Add spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies.
For extra creaminess, mix a bit of cream cheese into the ricotta.
Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave.
These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are cheesy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser — one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day!
Who’s making this pasta bake soon? Drop a ❤️ and tag a friend who loves stuffed shells! 👇
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