Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are an indulgent, comforting dinner that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. The richness of the ricotta complements the flavorful ground beef, while the mozzarella melts beautifully on top, creating a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a showstopping main course for gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. For a lighter variation, substitute the beef with ground turkey, and don't forget to top with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit!

INGREDIENTS

• 20 large pasta shells: The perfect vessel for holding the savory filling of beef and cheese.
• 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the filling.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling, balancing out the beef.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, creating a cheesy topping and adding creaminess to the filling.
• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese: Adds a salty, sharp flavor to enhance the richness of the dish.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the filling together.
• 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce: A flavorful base that adds moisture and acidity, complementing the richness of the cheese and beef.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor to the beef mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the filling.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances the flavors of the beef and cheese mixture.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS CREAMY RICOTTA BEEF STUFFED SHELLS

• Rich and Cheesy: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano cheese creates a creamy, indulgent filling that pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef.
• Hearty Comfort Food: This dish is the epitome of comfort food—warm, filling, and packed with rich flavors, making it the perfect family meal for cold nights or special occasions.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and simply bake them when you're ready. It’s an ideal recipe for meal prep or dinner parties!
• Versatile Recipe: Whether you use ground beef, turkey, or make it vegetarian, the stuffed shells are easily adaptable to suit your preferences.

VARIATIONS

• Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a delicious meatless version of these stuffed shells.
• Turkey Swap: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, keeping all the other ingredients the same for a healthy twist.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or zucchini into the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce to give the dish a slight heat.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3:

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 5:

Spread 1 cup of the tomato basil sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 6:

Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and beef mixture, and arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Step 7:

Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are covered evenly.

Step 8:

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.

Step 9:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 10:

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells hot, right out of the oven. Pair them with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave or oven until heated through.
• This dish also freezes well. Simply assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Helpful Notes

• For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the milder flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta filling for a flavorful alternative.
• Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best flavor and texture—it’s saltier and sharper than Parmesan, adding depth to the dish.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Always use high-quality ricotta for stuffed shells—it makes all the difference. Drain the ricotta if it's too watery to keep the filling from becoming too runny."
• Chef Lidia Bastianich: "When assembling your stuffed shells, don't overfill the pasta. Leave a little room for the filling to expand slightly as it bakes."
• Chef Ina Garten: "Adding a bit of freshly grated nutmeg to the ricotta mixture can enhance the flavor and add warmth to the dish without overpowering it."