Get ready for an incredibly satisfying and deliciously comforting meal with these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta! This classic Italian-American bake features tender pasta shells generously filled with a savory blend of lean ground beef, creamy ricotta, and two kinds of cheese, all nestled in a rich tomato basil sauce and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or any gathering!
Why I Love This Recipe
These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a true labor of love that feels incredibly rewarding, and I absolutely adore them! What I love most is the way each element comes together to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying experience. The tender pasta shells are the perfect vessels for that rich, savory ground beef mixture, which is seasoned beautifully with garlic and oregano. But the real star is the creamy filling, with its blend of tangy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and salty Romano cheese, bound with egg for perfect texture. Baking it all in a vibrant tomato basil sauce ensures every bite is infused with delicious Italian flavors. It feels incredibly gourmet, yet the steps are straightforward, making it a fantastic, fuss-free option for any special meal. They’re always a huge hit, and leftovers are even better!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta:
- 20 large pasta shells (conchiglie, jumbo shells)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Large Pasta Shells: Jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing. Ensure you cook them al dente, as they will cook further in the oven. Cook a few extra in case some tear.
- Lean Ground Beef: Recommended to prevent the filling from being too greasy. You can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta will give you the creamiest, richest filling.
- Mozzarella & Romano Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is perfect for meltiness, and Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor. Freshly shredded cheeses are recommended for best melt. Parmesan cheese can be substituted for Romano.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture, helping it set in the oven.
- Tomato Basil Sauce: Use your favorite brand of jarred tomato basil sauce for convenience, or your go-to homemade recipe.
- Dried Oregano & Garlic: Classic Italian flavors for the beef filling.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 20 large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Do not overcook, or they will be too soft to stuff. Drain the shells thoroughly and set them aside.
- Prepare Beef Filling: In a large skillet, brown the 1 lb lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is almost fully browned, add the 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the beef is cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes). To the cooled beef, add the 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Romano cheese, and 1 large beaten egg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- 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 generously with the beef and ricotta mixture (about 1.5 – 2 tablespoons per shell). Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of tomato basil sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the shells.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the shells steam and the filling heat through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Let the pasta bake stand for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve cleanly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Al Dente Shells: Cook shells just al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven and absorb sauce, so you don’t want them mushy to start. Cook a few extra in case some tear.
- Drain Beef Well: Removing excess grease from the browned beef is crucial for a less oily sauce and a better-textured filling.
- Cool Beef Slightly: Adding very hot beef to the ricotta and eggs can start to cook the eggs, so let it cool for a few minutes.
- Don’t Overstuff: Fill each shell generously but don’t overpack them, as the filling expands slightly.
- Cover for Moistness: Covering with foil for the initial bake traps steam, ensuring the shells and filling stay moist and heat through evenly. Removing it allows for golden, bubbly cheese.
- Rest Before Serving: This step is essential for the casserole to set, ensuring clean, beautiful portions when scooped.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta are a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra delicious tomato basil sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed asparagus or green beans for balance.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing pasta dishes or hearty bakes, consider our Loaded Lasagna for another layered Italian classic, or our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld further!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools, and the shells may soften further.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot (cover with foil initially to prevent drying, then uncover for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheese). You may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating if the sauce seems too thick.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire pan (if freezer-safe) or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as directed above. You can also freeze unbaked stuffed shells.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and hearty nature of these stuffed shells, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another crowd-pleasing casserole, check out our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
- And for a hearty pasta bake made simple, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast is a fantastic time-saver.
- For another cheesy chicken dinner, check out These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a pan full of rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite stuffed pasta dish to make at home?
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