Few dishes embody the warmth and indulgence of Italian-American comfort food quite like a baked pasta dish, and these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta are a prime example! Imagine large pasta shells, generously filled with a rich blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and savory Romano cheese, all baked in a luscious tomato basil sauce and crowned with bubbly melted mozzarella. It’s a deeply satisfying, incredibly cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you simply crave a hearty, home-cooked embrace.

Why I Love This Recipe

Stuffed shells are a classic for a reason, and this recipe delivers on every promise of cheesy, meaty, pasta perfection. What I love most about it is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The seasoned ground beef adds a savory depth, while the ricotta cheese provides an incredible creaminess that melts in your mouth. The three cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano—create a symphony of dairy deliciousness, from gooey stretch to sharp tang.

It’s a meal that feels incredibly special and looks impressive when served, yet the assembly is surprisingly straightforward. The bake in the oven ensures everything is heated through, the flavors meld beautifully, and that mozzarella topping gets perfectly golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a fantastic make-ahead option, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

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Ingredients:

• 20 large pasta shells (jumbo pasta shells)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (or 80/20 for more flavor)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese (Pecorino Romano is best)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Pasta Shells: Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for stuffing. Make sure to cook them just al dente so they are pliable but don’t break.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great, but 80/20 ground beef will add more flavor. You can substitute with ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed) for a different twist.
• Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta provides the best creaminess. Drain any excess liquid from ricotta if it seems watery.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded (which often contains anti-caking agents).
• Romano Cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese offers a sharp, salty flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese can be substituted.
• Tomato Basil Sauce: Use a good quality jarred tomato basil sauce you love, or homemade if you have it. My Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a great starting point for a homemade sauce.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder for the filling, helping it hold together.
• Herbs: Dried oregano is classic. A pinch of dried basil can also be added. Fresh parsley for garnish adds freshness.

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Instructions:

Creating these delicious stuffed shells is a satisfying process that yields a wonderful baked pasta dish.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook according to package directions until they are al dente (just firm enough to hold their shape, but not mushy). Drain the shells thoroughly and lay them out on a clean baking sheet or parchment paper in a single layer to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Prepare Beef & Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano to the browned beef. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef mixture cool slightly.
4. Combine Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled browned beef mixture with the 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Romano cheese, and the beaten large egg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
5. Stuff and Assemble: Spread 1 cup of the tomato basil sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully fill it with a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled pasta shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
6. Sauce & Top with Cheese: Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups of tomato basil sauce evenly over the arranged stuffed shells, ensuring most of them are covered with sauce. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheeseevenly over the top of the shells.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Golden Finish: Remove the foil from the baking dish. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly. For extra browning, you can briefly place it under the broiler (watch very carefully to prevent burning!).
9. Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta!

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Pro Tip:

When cooking the pasta shells, cook them to just al dente, even slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Also, draining the ground beef well is crucial for a cleaner, less greasy filling and sauce.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a hearty and complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few Italian-inspired sides.

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic would make a lovely addition.
• Other Italian Comforts: If you love classic Italian-American comfort food, consider this alongside a true favorite like my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce (if you want more sauce options) or a quicker cheesy option like Cheesy Velveeta Rotini.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These stuffed shells make for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through.
• Freezing (Unbaked): You can assemble the shells, cover with sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Cover tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, extend baking time by about 30-45 minutes (keeping foil on for longer) until heated through, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
• Freezing (Baked): Baked and cooled shells can also be frozen, though the pasta texture might be slightly softer upon reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this pasta dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make baked pasta dish, check out my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
• If you’re a fan of classic Italian-American comfort food, don’t miss Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• For a super cheesy and quick pasta option, consider Cheesy Velveeta Rotini.
• And for another hearty baked dish that’s great for feeding a crowd, These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.

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Final Thoughts

These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta are a true celebration of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They’re perfect for bringing the family together around the dinner table, making any meal feel special with minimal fuss. Dive into this incredibly cheesy and hearty dish, and let it become a beloved classic in your home!

What’s your favorite way to make a baked pasta dish extra special? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.