why make this recipe

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a satisfying dish that brings comfort to any meal. It combines savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese all stuffed inside tender pasta shells. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. With a delicious marinara sauce topping, every bite is bursting with flavor!

how to make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar marinara sauce
12 jumbo pasta shells
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions and drain.
In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, mix the cooked beef with ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Stuff each pasta shell with the beef mixture.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Place the stuffed shells in the dish and top with remaining marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

how to serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Serve the Beef-Stuffed Shells hot out of the oven. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal.

how to store Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

To store leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

tips to make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
Feel free to add chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for spice.

variation

You can easily make this dish with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, skip the meat and fill the shells with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs.

FAQs

1. Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you are ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Beef-Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. What type of marinara sauce should I use?
You can use any marinara sauce you like! Store-bought sauces are convenient, or you can make your own homemade sauce for an extra special touch.

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling