Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

This Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling dish is a perfect blend of hearty meat, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare at home. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Shells:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ pound (250g) ground beef
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Fill each pasta shell with a spoonful of ricotta mixture and top with the beef filling.
4. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells

1. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the shells.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a full Italian-style meal.

Conclusion & Tips

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

This Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy!