Cozy Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

Creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta sparkle with comforting Italian-inspired flavors that instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen.

Memories of childhood dinners dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Tender pasta shells cradle a rich mixture of seasoned ground beef and smooth ricotta cheese.

Melted mozzarella blankets the dish with golden, irresistible warmth.

Garlic and herbs infuse every morsel with depth and character.

Weeknight dinners never looked more inviting or delicious.

Dive into this hearty meal that promises to become a new family favorite.

Save Ricotta Stuffed Shells and Reheat Without Drying

• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to an airtight container, ensuring they are completely sealed. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta's texture and flavor intact.
• Wrap the baked dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Flavor Matches

• Perfectly Pair Crisp Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture.
• Match Zesty Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish, adding fresh crispness and reducing the meal's heaviness.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast against the soft stuffed shells, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Serve Herbaceous Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to brighten the dish's rich profile, adding a pop of color and fresh aromatic notes that lift the overall flavor complexity.

Ricotta Beef Shell Pasta Variants

• Vegetarian Shell Stuffers: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty meat-free version that maintains rich protein content.
• Gluten-Free Shell Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients like sauce and cheese are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac dietary needs.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Swap traditional pasta shells with zucchini boats or blanched cabbage leaves, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious filling intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese, use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives, and replace the egg with a flax egg to create a completely dairy-free meal suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions for the ground turkey.

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently when filling. Let them cool slightly after boiling to make them easier to stuff without breaking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love stuffed shells, and the cheesy, meaty filling is both delicious and nutritious. The mild flavors of beef, ricotta, and tomato sauce make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Stuffed Shells That Bring Creamy Ricotta and Beef Together

• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: This stuffed shells recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Family Comfort Classic: Packed with hearty beef, creamy cheeses, and comforting pasta, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Quick and Versatile Meal: With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like spinach, different cheeses, or alternative meat options, allowing creative cooks to personalize the recipe to their liking.

Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Ingredient List

• Large Pasta Shells: Classic pasta shape perfect for stuffing.

• Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful meat base.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and smooth filling component.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy topping cheese.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese, Egg: Sharp cheese and binding ingredient.

• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Italian herb and spice blend.
• Tomato Basil Sauce: Rich and aromatic pasta sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh herb topping.

Assembling Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Get ready for some serious pasta magic.

Step 2: Boil and Prep Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Toss in the pasta shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool down a bit.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano

Cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Let the beef mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Pecorino Romano
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 5: Build Your Pasta Masterpiece

Spread a layer of tomato basil sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the shells snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve the shells piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Shell Stuffing Tips for Creamy Ricotta Beef Pasta

• Prevent Sauce Burning: Cover the baking dish with foil during initial baking to protect the pasta shells from drying out and prevent sauce from burning.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use freshly grated mozzarella for optimal melting and smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Control Moisture Level: Drain ground beef thoroughly after cooking to avoid excess liquid in the filling, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop before baking for enhanced taste.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.