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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

A comforting dish featuring oversized pasta shells filled with seasoned beef and creamy ricotta, enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 large large pasta shells For stuffing
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Your favorite kind
Meat Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided between filling and topping
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh parsley or basil Optional, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Filling
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  2. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Assembling the Dish
  1. Carefully fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture, placing them seam side up in a greased baking dish.
  2. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring every shell is coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Customize with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.