Craving a hearty and satisfying dinner that will please the whole family? Look no further than these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with a rich, cheesy ricotta mixture, topped with savory beef and marinara sauce, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This dish is a showstopper that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions to Make Your Kitchen Smell Amazing
1. Cook the Pasta Shells Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the shells and let them cool on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Beef In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, mixing well to coat the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This cheesy filling will make each bite irresistibly rich and flavorful.
4. Stuff the Shells Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Add the Beef Mixture Spoon the beef and marinara sauce mixture over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them evenly. The sauce will keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
6. Top with Cheese Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the shells. The more cheese, the better! This will create that irresistible bubbly and golden crust.
7. Bake to Perfection Cover the baking 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 melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Beef-Stuffed Shells hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Pair them with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze Beef-Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option. You can also use ground chicken or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the shells and let them cool on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, mixing well to coat the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This cheesy filling will make each bite irresistibly rich and flavorful.
- Stuff the Shells Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells into a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add the Beef Mixture Spoon the beef and marinara sauce mixture over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them evenly. The sauce will keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- Top with Cheese Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the shells. The more cheese, the better! This will create that irresistible bubbly and golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection Cover the baking 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 melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.