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If you are searching for a wholesome, comforting meal that impresses with rich flavors and delightful textures, you have to try the Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe. This dish pairs tender jumbo pasta shells with a luscious filling of creamy ricotta cheese and savory ground beef, all baked under a blanket of melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of meaty heartiness and smooth, cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish lies in its simple yet fundamental ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the pasta’s tender bite to the rich, creamy filling, and the perfectly seasoned beef that elevates every forkful.
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect containers for soaking up all the delicious filling and sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty, savory base of the filling that brings a satisfying depth of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and mild sweetness, balancing the beef perfectly.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder helping the filling maintain its shape and structure while baking.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give a gooey, cheesy richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick that accents the entire dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant savory punch that brightens the filling.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the other ingredients.
- Tomato sauce (not listed above but required): Creates a tangy, juicy layer that keeps the shells moist and adds vibrant color.
How to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare The Pasta Shells
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente — just tender enough to stuff without falling apart. Once cooked, drain them carefully and set them aside to cool slightly. This first step sets the foundation for perfectly tender shells that hold their shape throughout the process.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Beef Filling
In a spacious bowl, combine the ground beef with creamy ricotta cheese, the egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a rich filling bursting with mouthwatering flavors and creamy textures.
Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Carefully scoop the beef-ricotta mixture and fill each jumbo shell to the brim — but avoid overstuffing to prevent any filling from spilling over while baking. This step brings together the pasta and the luscious filling into one irresistible bite-size bundle.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange your stuffed shells evenly on top, creating a beautiful array of cheesy, meaty pillows ready for their flavorful finish.
Step 5: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Bake
Pour the remaining tomato sauce generously over the shells, ensuring each one gets a nice coating. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top to encourage a golden crust as it bakes. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese bubbles joyfully and the edges turn beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the shells a minute or two to set. Then, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and a subtle herbal fragrance that lifts the whole dish. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your masterpiece!
How to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic topping that adds a bright, fragrant contrast to the rich and cheesy filling. For an extra touch, consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the richness even more.
Side Dishes
Even though the stuffed shells make a hearty meal on their own, pairing them with some crisp, fresh sides elevates the experience. A simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, while crusty garlic bread is fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. To wash it all down, a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade balances the robust flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking smaller portions in individual ramekins for personalized servings that wow guests. Alternatively, layering the stuffed shells in a clear dish lets the beautiful layers of pasta, beef filling, and sauce peek through, making a stunning presentation. Garnish with colorful herbs or edible flowers to wow at any dinner party or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making a fantastic next-day meal that tastes even better as flavors meld together.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Lay the stuffed shells in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend. Cover the shells with foil and warm them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to keep them moist, and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! While ricotta offers that creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and mozzarella for a different but delicious result.
Is it necessary to cook the pasta shells before stuffing?
Yes, precooking the shells until al dente is important because it makes them flexible enough to stuff without breaking, ensuring a perfect texture after baking.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The filling can be mixed a day ahead and refrigerated. This not only saves time on the day of cooking but also allows the flavors to develop further for an even tastier dish.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily blend your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This will give you that traditional herbaceous flavor characteristic of this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, and keep the creamy ricotta filling to maintain richness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe the Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe is a showstopper that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Its combination of creamy cheese, savory beef, and melt-in-your-mouth pasta shells feels like a hug from the inside out. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious experience. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy making it as much as I do eating it. Happy cooking!
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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling recipe features jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese, this comforting Italian-inspired casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 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, to taste
Sauce and Topping
- Tomato sauce, enough to layer and cover shells
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese filling mixture, being careful not to overstuff to avoid breakage.
- Make the Tomato Sauce Layer: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells evenly on top of this sauce layer.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the arranged stuffed shells ensuring each shell is partially covered. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the shells have a golden-brown hue.
- Serve and Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta shells to prevent them from breaking during stuffing.
- For added moisture in the filling, you can mix in a tablespoon of tomato sauce.
- Prepare the filling while the pasta is cooking to save time.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to tomato sauce if needed.
- Pair this dish with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, and a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a complete meal.
