Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, look no further than Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling. This beloved Italian-American classic is packed with bold, savory flavors and creamy textures—all tucked into tender pasta shells and baked to bubbly perfection.
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need some serious comfort on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🧀 Creamy, cheesy ricotta filling adds a rich and luxurious texture
🥩 Savory ground beef balances the filling with hearty, meaty flavor
🍅 Baked in marinara sauce for a classic Italian-style finish
🍽️ Make-ahead friendly and easy to reheat—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients
For the filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
For the pasta:
20–24 jumbo pasta shells
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package suggests). Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley (if using), and the cooled beef. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Stuff the Shells
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the ricotta-beef mixture and arrange them in the dish.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Top with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
6. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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