Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

There's something truly magical about the smell of rich, meaty tomato sauce bubbling away while stuffed pasta shells bake to golden, cheesy perfection. This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience, with tender pasta, hearty beef, and a luscious, creamy filling that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I first discovered this dish during a snowy weekend when all I craved was something hearty yet cozy. After a little experimenting, this easy, budget-friendly favorite was born, and it quickly became a top request for family dinners and potlucks alike.

It's quick to prep, easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

Let's dive into why you'll fall in love with this irresistible recipe.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Get ready to discover your next go-to comfort meal. This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells recipe is packed with everything you love about Italian-inspired comfort food.

First, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Even though it looks fancy enough for a special occasion, it only takes about 30 minutes of hands-on time, making it perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Second, it’s wonderfully budget-friendly. Ground beef, pasta shells, and ricotta are all easy-to-find, affordable ingredients that come together for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Third, it's a freezer's best friend. You can easily prepare a batch or two in advance and freeze them for those nights when you just can't imagine cooking from scratch.

Finally, it's totally customizable. Prefer ground turkey? Want to add some spinach? Go right ahead. This recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Speaking of flexibility, let's chat about the star ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in how simple ingredients come together to create such rich flavor and texture.

Jumbo Pasta Shells are the perfect vessel for this creamy, savory filling. Make sure you cook them just until al dente, as they'll continue to soften while baking.

Ground Beef provides the hearty, savory backbone of the filling. I recommend using 85/15 beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Ricotta Cheese brings a creamy, rich texture to the filling. I love using whole milk ricotta for maximum flavor, but part-skim works too if you're looking to lighten things up a bit.

Marinara Sauce ties everything together with its bright, tangy richness. Use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or whip up a quick homemade version if you're feeling ambitious.

You'll also want a large 9x13-inch baking dish to assemble and bake the shells, plus a sturdy skillet for browning the beef.

How To Make This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Making this dish is easier than you might think, and it’s a great recipe to involve the kids in if you want a little help in the kitchen.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions, but shave off a minute or two to keep them firmer. Drain them and set aside to cool slightly.

While the shells are cooking, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it's fully browned. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in half of your marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, a generous handful of shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a beaten egg. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your stuffed shells.

Carefully spoon a bit of the ricotta mixture into each cooked shell, followed by a scoop of the beef mixture. Place each stuffed shell into your prepared baking dish. Once all shells are filled and arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell alone will let you know it's ready!

From start to finish, you'll have a delicious meal on the table in just about an hour, perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a blessing because they store and reheat beautifully.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the shells are fully cooled before transferring them to the container.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed shells either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

When reheating refrigerated shells, a few minutes in the microwave or a covered stint in the oven at 350°F will bring them back to melty, bubbly perfection.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so feel free to get creative!

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage if you want a different flavor profile. Spicy sausage in particular adds a delightful kick.

Add a boost of veggies by mixing some wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or grated zucchini into the ricotta filling. It's a great way to sneak in some greens.

If you're short on ricotta, cottage cheese makes a great substitute. It will be a little lighter but still delicious.

Switch up the sauce! Try using a vodka sauce or even a white Alfredo sauce for a richer, creamier version.

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