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A plate of baked stuffed pasta shells filled with creamy beef and ricotta cheese, garnished with fresh herbs and melted cheese on top.

Creamy Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells: A Dreamy Dinner Delight

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Discover how to make the best creamy beef and ricotta stuffed shells for a comforting and cheesy dinner. This baked pasta recipe combines tender shells filled with savory ground beef and luscious ricotta cheese, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish promises rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Step-by-step guide included for effortless cooking and delicious results.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. Combine ricotta, beaten egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, cook until browned, drain excess fat.
  4. Fold cooked beef into ricotta mixture. Stuff each shell with the beef and ricotta filling.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, place stuffed shells inside, cover with remaining marinara, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overcook pasta shells to prevent tearing when stuffing.
  • You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate before baking.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for variety.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg