Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling: A Creamy, Flavorful, Juicy Delight

Imagine biting into a pasta shell filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and juicy ground beef, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. That’s the delightful experience of Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. This dish is a true comfort food that promises to satisfy your cravings for something rich and satisfying.

For me, stuffed shells have always been a family favorite. I remember weekends spent in the kitchen as a child, watching my mom prepare various stuffed pasta dishes. They were always a hit at the dinner table, and now I’m excited to share my take on this classic dish. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for family dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Compared to our popular “Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta,” this dish offers a hearty twist with its beef and ricotta filling, making it a stand-out choice for meat lovers.

What is Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling?

So, what exactly is Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling? It’s a delicious baked dish where pasta shells are filled with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and spices, then topped with a rich tomato sauce and cheese. The name suggests a shell filled with beef and a creamy cheese mixture, which is exactly what makes this dish so special.

You might wonder why it’s called “Beef-Stuffed Shells.” Well, it’s quite straightforward—pasta shells stuffed with beef and cheese. But there’s a playful twist. Imagine each shell as a tiny container of all your favorite Italian flavors, ready to burst in your mouth. If “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” then this dish is sure to win hearts with its combination of rich flavors and comforting warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Creamy and Juicy: The dish combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the juiciness of ground beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
2. Cost-Effective: Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, ricotta cheese, and pasta shells, this meal is budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a family.
3. Flavorful Toppings: The rich tomato sauce and melted cheese on top add an extra layer of flavor, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Compared to our “Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta,” this recipe offers a heartier option with the addition of beef and a tomato-based sauce, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold flavors.

How to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Quick Overview

“Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling” is a dish that combines simplicity with flavor. It’s made by stuffing pasta shells with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and spices, then baking them with a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish takes under an hour to prepare and cook.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta Shells:
  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• Filling:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg (for binding)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
• Tomato Sauce:
  • 1 jar (24 oz) Italian-style tomato sauce
• Toppings:
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Shells:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
3. Assemble the Shells:
   Spoon the beef-ricotta mixture into each pasta shell, filling them to capacity without overstuffing.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce Layer:
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells on top in an even layer.
5. Bake:
   Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is partially covered. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are golden brown.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

What to Serve with Beef-Stuffed Shells

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, here are some ideas to enhance it:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for dipping in the tomato sauce.
• Refreshing Drink: A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Ensure the pasta shells are not overcooked to avoid breakage during stuffing.
• Filling: For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of tomato sauce to the filling mixture.
• Timing: Prepare the filling while the pasta shells are cooking to save time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Cool the dish completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to the sauce if needed.

Conclusion

“Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling” is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that combines rich flavors and textures. With its creamy ricotta filling and juicy ground beef, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it alone, this dish offers a satisfying and hearty meal. Why not give it a try? Tag us when you make it, and let us know how you enjoyed this dish. Happy cooking!

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Imagine biting into a pasta shell filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and juicy ground beef, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. That's the delightful experience of Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. This dish is a true comfort food that promises to satisfy your cravings for something rich and satisfying. For me, stuffed shells have always been a family favorite. I remember weekends spent in the kitchen as a child, watching my mom prepare various stuffed pasta dishes. They were always a hit at the dinner table, and now I'm excited to share my take on this classic dish. If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's perfect for family dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Compared to our popular "Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta," this dish offers a hearty twist with its beef and ricotta filling, making it a stand-out choice for meat lovers.

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Ingredients

  

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg for binding
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven and Prepare Shells:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Filling:
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
• Assemble the Shells:
• Spoon the beef-ricotta mixture into each pasta shell, filling them to capacity without overstuffing.
• Make the Tomato Sauce Layer:
• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells on top in an even layer.
• Bake:
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is partially covered. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
• Bake Until Golden:
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are golden brown.
• Serve:
• Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
• What to Serve with Beef-Stuffed Shells
• While this dish is a complete meal on its own, here are some ideas to enhance it:
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for dipping in the tomato sauce.
• Refreshing Drink: A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors.
• Top Tips for Perfecting Beef-Stuffed Shells
• Pasta Shells: Ensure the pasta shells are not overcooked to avoid breakage during stuffing.
• Filling: For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of tomato sauce to the filling mixture.
• Timing: Prepare the filling while the pasta shells are cooking to save time.
• Storing and Reheating Tips
• Storage: Cool the dish completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to the sauce if needed.
• Conclusion
• "Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling" is more than just a meal; it's a comforting experience that combines rich flavors and textures. With its creamy ricotta filling and juicy ground beef, it's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it alone, this dish offers a satisfying and hearty meal. Why not give it a try? Tag us when you make it, and let us know how you enjoyed this dish. Happy cooking!