Hearty Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Prepare to delight your taste buds with our ultimate recipe for **Beef Stuffed Shells**, a classic Italian-American comfort food that promises to be a showstopper at any table. These generously sized jumbo pasta shells are meticulously filled with a rich, savory blend of perfectly seasoned ground beef, luxuriously creamy ricotta cheese, and melted, gooey mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection in a vibrant marinara sauce, this dish is the epitome of heartwarming indulgence. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing for a special gathering with loved ones, these beef stuffed shells are guaranteed to tantalize every palate and leave everyone craving another delicious bite!

If you’re searching for a hearty and incredibly satisfying dish that effortlessly brings joy to family dinners and gatherings with friends, look no further than our incredible beef stuffed shells recipe. This culinary masterpiece combines tender, al dente jumbo pasta shells with a robust, flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat and luscious ricotta cheese, all nestled in a vibrant tomato sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers both comfort and gourmet taste in every forkful.

Craving more delightful pasta creations? Be sure to explore some of our other cherished recipes like Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells, a vegetarian delight, our hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta, or the comforting simplicity of Italian Pastina Pasta.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

There are countless reasons why these beef and ricotta stuffed shells will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. Here are just a few:

• Unrivaled Comfort and Satisfaction: Imagine generous jumbo shells brimming with rich, savory beef and velvety ricotta cheese. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, designed to warm you from the inside out and satisfy even the most robust appetites after a long day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly fulfilling.
• Surprisingly Easy to Prepare: Don’t let its impressive appearance fool you; this dish is remarkably straightforward to make. With clear, step-by-step instructions, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without extensive effort, or for relaxed weekends when you want to enjoy cooking without stress.
• A Family Favorite for All Ages: Loved universally by both children and adults, these cheesy stuffed shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a dish that everyone at the table will enthusiastically enjoy, ensuring empty plates and happy smiles.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe offers fantastic flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by adding extra vegetables to the filling, experimenting with different cheese combinations, or even swapping out the ground beef for other proteins.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping & Entertaining: Whether you’re preparing a week’s worth of lunches or hosting a dinner party, these stuffed shells are an excellent choice. They can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making hosting effortless, and they reheat beautifully, providing delicious leftovers.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef Stuffed Shells

Crafting these delectable beef stuffed shells requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large, beautiful shells are more than just a vessel; they are the perfect edible cups, resembling elegant conch shells you might find on a beach. Their robust structure holds a generous amount of filling, making each bite incredibly satisfying. We recommend using a good quality brand for the best texture.
• Ground Meat (Beef is Best!): Lean ground beef is the star protein, providing a rich, savory foundation for our filling. Its robust flavor pairs wonderfully with the cheeses and marinara. For best results, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to ensure moisture and flavor without being overly greasy. You can also experiment with ground Italian sausage for an extra kick!
• Creamy Ricotta Cheese: The cornerstone of any great stuffed pasta, ricotta cheese lends a delicate sweetness and an essential creamy texture to the filling. Choose a full-fat ricotta for the most luxurious experience, as it contributes significantly to the dish’s comforting quality.
• Gooey Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella, renowned for its incredible melting properties, provides that irresistible stretch and gooey factor that makes baked pasta so appealing. We use it both in the filling and generously sprinkled on top to create a golden, bubbling crust. Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
• Sharp Parmesan Cheese: A touch of grated Parmesan cheese introduces a salty, umami depth to the filling, balancing the richness of the ricotta and beef. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan for superior flavor.
• Rich Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce is crucial. It not only forms the base of the savory meat sauce but also blankets the stuffed shells, infusing them with bright, tangy tomato goodness. Choose your favorite brand or, for an extra special touch, use homemade marinara.
• Flavorful Seasonings: A thoughtful blend of spices is key to elevating this dish. Our recipe calls for classic **Italian seasonings** (a fragrant blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram), along with **salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder**. These spices are incorporated into both the meat sauce and the cheese filling, ensuring a full-bodied, aromatic flavor throughout. Fresh **parsley** is added as a vibrant garnish at the end, providing a fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors.
• One Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta and meat mixture, ensuring the filling stays cohesive and moist during baking.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Beef Stuffed Shells

Creating these beef and ricotta stuffed shells is a rewarding culinary journey. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature when your dish is ready to bake. While the oven preheats, generously grease a large baking dish (typically 9×13 inches works well) with a little oil or cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package directions, specifically aiming for an al dente texture. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the shells thoroughly and rinse them briefly with cool water to prevent sticking. Set them aside carefully.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoned Ground Meat. For the rich meat sauce and filling, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground meat and begin to cook, breaking it up with a spoon. After about 2-3 minutes, as the meat starts to brown, add the specified seasonings: salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Continue to sauté the meat, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Create the Marinara Meat Sauce. Once the ground meat is thoroughly cooked, remove about three-quarters of it from the skillet and set it aside in a separate bowl. This portion will be used for the cheese filling. To the remaining meat in the skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld and simmer for about 2 minutes. This creates the rich, flavorful meat sauce that will form the base and topping for your stuffed shells. Set this aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese, one whole egg (which acts as a binder), half a cup of grated mozzarella cheese, a third cup of grated Parmesan cheese, half a teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. This forms the incredibly flavorful and creamy base of your shell filling.

Step 6: Combine Meat with the Filling. Now, take the three-quarters portion of cooked ground meat that you reserved earlier and add it to the ricotta cheese mixture. Gently fold and mix until the meat is evenly distributed throughout the creamy cheese blend. This creates the hearty, balanced filling for your shells.

Step 7: Expertly Stuff the Pasta Shells. Take your cooked jumbo pasta shells and, using a small spoon or a pastry bag, carefully fill each one with about 2 tablespoons of the prepared cheese and meat mixture. Work gently to avoid tearing the shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in your greased baking dish as you fill them, making sure they fit snugly but aren’t overly crowded. Repeat this process until all the shells are filled and arranged.

Step 8: Assemble in the Baking Dish. In the greased baking dish, spread about ¾ cup of the marinara meat sauce you prepared earlier evenly across the bottom. This creates a flavorful bed for the shells. Carefully arrange the stuffed shells over this layer of sauce. Once all shells are in place, pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the shells, ensuring they are well coated. Finally, sprinkle a generous cup of grated mozzarella cheese over everything, creating a beautiful cheesy topping that will melt and turn golden.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake the stuffed shells for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the entire dish is heated through and simmering. The edges of the pasta might even start to crisp slightly, adding another layer of texture.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve Immediately. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. For a fresh burst of color and flavor, generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before portioning out and enjoying this comforting masterpiece.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Beef Stuffed Shells

Achieving culinary perfection with your stuffed shells is simple with these expert tips:

• Cook the Pasta Al Dente – No Mushy Shells!: This is paramount. Cook your jumbo pasta shells until they are just al dente, meaning they should still have a firm bite. They will continue to soften and absorb moisture as they bake in the oven, and cooking them perfectly al dente initially prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy during the baking process.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning the Filling: The seasoning is what truly makes this dish shine. Be generous with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in both the ground beef and the ricotta mixture. Proper seasoning adds immense depth, complexity, and a savory punch that elevates the entire dish. Taste and adjust if necessary!
• Invest in High-Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is forgiving, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor and texture. Opt for good quality ground beef, fresh ricotta cheese, and a robust marinara sauce. Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan also make a noticeable difference compared to pre-shredded options.
• Perfect Your Stuffing Technique: To make stuffing easier and less messy, you can use a small spoon or even a pastry bag with a wide opening. Don’t overfill the shells, but ensure they are generously packed. This provides a satisfying mouthful without causing the shells to burst during baking.
• Finish with a Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, particularly finely chopped parsley or basil, just before serving, adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors. It’s a simple touch that enhances both the visual appeal and the taste.
• Allow for Resting Time: After removing the dish from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheeses and sauce to set slightly, preventing the filling from spilling out and making it easier to serve clean portions.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These hearty beef and ricotta stuffed shells are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some delicious options to complement the rich flavors of the main dish:

1. Crispy Garlic Bread: No Italian-inspired meal is complete without warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious marinara sauce and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
2. Colorful Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini, offers a nutritious and vibrant side. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and a slight char, adding freshness and balance to the rich pasta.
3. Fresh Caprese Salad: For a light and refreshing counterpoint, a classic Caprese salad is ideal. Slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with a balsamic glaze, provide a burst of freshness that cleanses the palate.
4. Crispy Roasted Potatoes: If you desire another comforting starch, a batch of crispy roasted baby potatoes tossed with herbs and seasonings makes a fantastic side. Their savory crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft pasta and rich sauce.
5. A Simple Green Salad: A crisp, mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a welcome addition. It provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta and ensures a balanced meal.

Storing and Reheating Your Beef Stuffed Shells

One of the many benefits of beef stuffed shells is how well they store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers:

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover stuffed shells to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making for convenient and delicious future meals.

To Reheat (Oven Method): For best results, reheat your stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees C). Place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbling. If you desire a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

To Reheat (Microwave Method): For individual portions or a quick reheat, you can use the microwave. Place a few stuffed shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stirring the sauce underneath can help ensure even heating.

Freezing for Future Meals: This recipe is excellent for freezing! To freeze, prepare the shells as directed up to the point of baking. Arrange the assembled (but unbaked) shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once solid, transfer the frozen shells to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. Frozen stuffed shells will maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply place the frozen shells in a greased baking dish, cover, and bake as directed, extending the baking time by an additional 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and bubbly. You might want to let them thaw partially in the fridge overnight for slightly quicker baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stuffed Shells

Have some questions before you dive into making these delicious stuffed shells? We’ve got answers:

Explore More Irresistible Pasta Recipes

If you’re a true pasta aficionado, we invite you to delve into more of our beloved pasta creations. Each recipe is crafted to bring joy and flavor to your kitchen:

• Decadent Four Cheese Ravioli Pasta
• Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Light and Flavorful Angel Hair Shrimp Scampi Pasta
• Unique Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Our Stuffed Shells with Ground Meat is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful culinary experience, offering a hearty and satisfying twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, rich ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, then baked to perfection in a vibrant marinara sauce, this dish is designed to impress.

It’s an ideal choice for cozy family dinners, memorable holiday gatherings, or simply when you’re craving an authentic taste of Italian comfort food. We are confident that this robust and flavorful dish will quickly become a cherished new favorite in your home, providing warmth and deliciousness with every forkful.

Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Savor the comforting delight of beef stuffed shells, showcasing generously filled jumbo pasta shells brimming with a savory blend of seasoned ground meat, luscious ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, expertly baked for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground meat
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce

For the Filling

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 whole egg
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease a baking dish with oil and set it aside.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain them and set aside.
3. For the meat sauce, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the seasonings: salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked through.
4. Remove 3/4 of the cooked meat and set it aside for the filling. To the remaining meat in the skillet, add the marinara sauce and cook for 2 minutes until well combined. Set aside for later use as the meat sauce.
5. For the filling, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix well.
6. Add the reserved 3/4 portion of cooked meat to the ricotta cheese mixture and mix until well combined.
7. Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the prepared cheese and meat mixture, using about 2 tablespoons per shell. Repeat with the remaining shells.
8. In the greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce (about ¾ cup). Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Bake the stuffed shells for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted, is bubbly and lightly golden, and the dish is heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta shells until just al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy during baking.
• Season the Filling Well: Don’t skimp on the seasonings for the beef filling, as they add essential flavor and depth to the dish.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose the best quality ingredients you can afford, as they will greatly impact the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
• Garnish Before Serving: Sprinkle the baked stuffed shells with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil just before serving for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories:

1091 kcal

Carbohydrates:

100g

Protein:

60g

Fat:

50g

Saturated Fat:

25g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

2g

Monounsaturated Fat:

17g

Trans Fat:

1g

Cholesterol:

176mg

Sodium:

2098mg

Potassium:

1259mg

Fiber:

7g

Sugar:

10g

Vitamin A:

1733 IU

Vitamin C:

15mg

Calcium:

615mg

Iron:

7mg