Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells – Easy & Delicious Recipe

What Are Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells?

The Origins of Stuffed Shells

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells trace their roots to Italian-American cuisine, a delightful fusion of traditional Italian flavors brought to new heights in American kitchens. Stuffed pasta dishes like these often feature ricotta as the base of the filling, lending creaminess and richness to every bite. Over time, adding ground beef to the filling became popular, creating a delicious balance of creamy and savory that makes this dish a favorite at family gatherings.

The oversized pasta shells, or conchiolin, are ideal for stuffing and hold the filling perfectly. When baked with marinara sauce and topped with cheese, the result is a comforting, flavorful meal that warms both the stomach and the soul.

Why Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Are a Favorite

This dish has everything you want in a meal—creamy, cheesy, and hearty. The contrast between the slightly crisped top layer of cheese and the tender, gooey filling inside the shells makes every bite a treat. And let’s not forget the marinara sauce! It adds just the right amount of tang and richness, balancing the mild flavor of the ricotta and the savory ground beef.

Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

The magic of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells comes from the balance of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering that creamy, savory, and satisfying flavor. Let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients that bring this dish to life.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo Pasta Shells

The foundation of this dish is jumbo pasta shells (also known as conchiglioni). These oversized shells are perfect for holding a generous amount of creamy filling. You’ll want to cook the shells to al dente, meaning they should be firm enough to hold their shape but tender enough to eat. Make sure not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the oven.

Ricotta Cheese

At the heart of this recipe is ricotta cheese, which gives the filling its signature creaminess. Ricotta has a mild flavor and smooth texture, making it the perfect base to mix with other ingredients like ground beef and herbs. For an extra creamy filling, use whole milk ricotta, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, part-skim ricotta works well too.

Ground Beef

Adding ground beef to the ricotta filling brings a savory richness to the dish. The beef is typically seasoned with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, creating a filling that’s flavorful and hearty. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can swap in ground turkey or sausage for a different twist, but classic ground beef is always a winner.

Marinara Sauce

A thick, flavorful marinara sauce is key to pulling this dish together. You can use store-bought marinara, but homemade sauce will elevate the flavors even more. The marinara adds a tangy, tomato-based sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. It’s spread across the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking and poured on top before the cheese is added.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

What would stuffed shells be without melted, gooey cheese? Mozzarella adds that stretchy, melty goodness on top, while freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharp, salty punch that balances the richness of the ricotta. Together, these cheeses create the perfect golden crust when baked.

Seasonings and Herbs

To bring out the best flavors in the filling, season the ground beef and ricotta mixture with classic Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. A pinch of garlic powder and onion powder goes a long way in boosting the savory notes, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness when served.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together. Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are easy to assemble and bake, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Let’s break down the process step-by-step so that you can achieve delicious, perfectly baked stuffed shells every time.

Preparing the Pasta Shells

Cooking the Pasta

Start by cooking your jumbo pasta shells to al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite to it, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

1. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 9-11 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent the shells from sticking together.

Draining and Cooling

Once the shells are cooked to al dente:

1. Drain them in a colander and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also cool them down, making them easier to handle.
2. Place the drained shells on a baking sheet, spaced apart so they don’t stick, while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Beef and Ricotta Filling

Cooking the Ground Beef

While your pasta is cooling, it’s time to prepare the flavorful filling:

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

1. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Once the beef is fully cooked, add in minced garlic and diced onions, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent (another 2-3 minutes).
3. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Mixing the Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Combine ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the ricotta mixture and stir until fully combined. The egg will help bind the filling together as it bakes, giving it a rich, creamy texture.

Assembling the Stuffed Shells

Stuffing the Shells

Now comes the fun part—stuffing the pasta shells!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.
3. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell generously with the ricotta and beef mixture.
4. Arrange the stuffed shells, open side up, in the baking dish in a single layer.

Arranging in the Baking Dish

Once all the shells are filled and placed in the dish:

1. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, ensuring each one gets a good coating of sauce.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Baking the Stuffed Shells

Adding Cheese

Before baking, make sure there’s plenty of cheese on top—this is what gives the dish that irresistible golden, bubbly finish. Use a combination of mozzarella for its melty texture and Parmesan for its salty, savory flavor.

Baking Time and Temperature

Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
2. For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil and broil on high to get a perfectly golden-brown cheese topping.

Once the stuffed shells are baked to perfection, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the dish easier to handle when serving. for more