What Are Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Beef and ricotta stuffed shells are a classic baked pasta dish known for their rich flavor and satisfying texture, making them a popular recipe for stuffed shells. This hearty meal combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and herbs. Covered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top, the dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Often served as a family-style main course, beef and ricotta stuffed shells offer the best of Italian-American cuisine. With its gooey cheese, flavorful meat, and tender pasta, this recipe hits all the marks for an easy yet indulgent dinner.
Table of Contents
What Ingredients Are Needed for This Dish?
To make stuffed shells with meat and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells (cook extra in case some break)
- Ground beef (lean is best)
- Ricotta cheese (whole milk for creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese is a great addition to your ricotta beef stuffed shells. (grated)
- Egg (to bind the ricotta mixture)
- Garlic and onion are essential for a delicious recipe for stuffed shells. (minced, for flavor)
- Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and oregano)
- Salt and black pepper
- Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: Spinach, cottage cheese, or ground turkey as variations
These ingredients are easy to find, and together they create a filling and flavorful stuffed pasta dish.
How Do Beef and Ricotta Complement Each Other?
The balance of textures and flavors makes the combination of beef and ricotta cheese in stuffed shells with ground beef so satisfying. Ground beef adds a savory depth and hearty bite, while ricotta brings in a creamy, mild contrast. The egg in the ricotta mixture helps it stay firm when baked, and the mozzarella topping pulls everything together with its gooey, stretchy texture.
This combination also ensures that each shell is stuffed with a filling that holds its shape, tastes rich, and bakes beautifully.
Why Choose Stuffed Shells Over Other Pasta Dishes?
Stuffed pasta shells stand out from other pasta recipes because of their form and functionality. Each shell acts like a tiny edible bowl that holds a generous amount of filling. Unlike lasagna or spaghetti, every bite of ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta delivers a perfect ratio of pasta, beef, ricotta, and sauce.
These shells are also ideal for make-ahead meals and freezing. They’re easy to portion and even easier to reheat. Plus, stuffed shells look visually impressive, making them perfect for gatherings, holidays, or weeknight comfort food.
How to Prepare the Perfect Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Making stuffed shells may look involved, but it’s simple when broken down into steps: cooking the shells, preparing the beef filling, mixing the ricotta, and assembling the shells.
What Are the Steps for Cooking the Pasta Shells?
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your jumbo pasta shells and cook them just until al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes 9–11 minutes.
Tips:
- Stir occasionally to prevent the stuffed shells with ground beef from sticking.
- Do not overcook. The jumbo shells will soften more in the oven.
- Drain the shells in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Lay the shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment or drizzle with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking.
How Do You Prepare the Beef Filling?
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with minced garlic and onion. Cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Let the beef cool slightly before combining it with cheese.
If you’re trying variations, this is where you can substitute ground turkey or even Italian sausage to enhance the flavor of the stuffed shells with meat sauce.
What Is the Best Method to Combine Ricotta and Other Ingredients?
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add ricotta cheese
- Crack in one egg
- Fold in Parmesan cheese
- Add half the mozzarella cheese
- Mix in chopped spinach (if using)
Stir until the ricotta mixture is creamy and well-blended. Then gently mix in the cooked, cooled beef. You now have a flavorful beef and cheese mixture ready for stuffing the shells.
How Do You Assemble the Stuffed Shells?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
- Use a spoon to fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, open side up.
- Pour more meat sauce over the top of the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan over everything.
Cover with foil and prepare to bake.
How to Bake Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
What Temperature Is Ideal for Baking?
Bake the stuffed shells with meat sauce at 375°F. This temperature is hot enough to cook everything evenly without drying it out.
How Long Should You Bake the Shells for Optimal Results?
Bake covered for 25–30 minutes for the creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells., then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes to brown the cheese. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden and melted.
How Can You Tell When They Are Done?
Signs your stuffed shells are done: the cheese is bubbly, and the shells are filled to perfection.
- The cheese is golden and bubbly
- The sauce is hot and thickened
- The shells are tender and the filling is heated through
Let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions for This Dish?
What Sides Pair Well with Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
This dish is rich and filling, so lighter sides work best:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette to accompany your stuffed shells recipe.
- Mixed green salad with balsamic dressing
- Roasted vegetables complement the ricotta beef stuffed shells pasta beautifully. like zucchini or carrots
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
How Can You Garnish the Dish for Presentation?
To make your dish look restaurant-quality:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for garnish on your easy stuffed shells. or parsley
- Drizzle with a little Drizzle olive oil over the shells in the baking dish for added flavor.
- Top with extra Parmesan right before serving
These small touches add both flavor and visual appeal.
What Drinks Complement the Flavors of This Meal?
Perfect drink pairings:
- A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese for a traditional Italian touch
- A crisp sparkling water with lemon
- For non-alcoholic options, try iced tea or grape juice
What Variations Can You Try with Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells are incredibly flexible, especially when you use large pasta shells. Try these ideas to make this recipe even better:
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with sauteed mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Extra cheesy: Stir shredded provolone or fontina into the ricotta mixture.
- Low-carb: Swap out shells for zucchini boats or use a ground meat layer casserole style.
How Can You Make It Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian stuffed shells:
- Skip the lean ground beef.
- Saute onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Combine the ricotta and follow the rest of the recipe as is for easy stuffed shells.
You’ll still enjoy all the creamy, cheesy comfort, just without the meat.
Conclusion
Beef and ricotta stuffed shells are more than a pasta dish—they’re a nostalgic, satisfying, and shareable meal. From the creamy ricotta filling to the savory beef and golden melted cheese, every bite brings warmth to the table. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is one to keep in your rotation.
The best part? You can prep it in advance, freeze leftovers, and reheat them with ease. With so many ways to customize and serve it, stuffed shells with meat are the ultimate comfort food.
FAQs
How long are ricotta beef stuffed shells good for in the fridge?
Ricotta stuffed shells stay fresh for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Why are my stuffed shells watery?
Too much moisture in ricotta or undercooked filling can cause watery jumbo shells. Drain spinach and use whole milk ricotta for better texture.
Should frozen stuffed shells be covered when baking?
Yes, cover them with foil during the first 30–40 minutes of baking. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
What to put in ricotta cheese for stuffed shells?
Combine ricotta with an egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. You can also add spinach or chopped parsley to your stuffed shells with meat sauce.
Why add egg to ricotta for stuffed shells?
Egg helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays firm and doesn’t ooze out during baking.
How fast does ricotta cheese go bad?
Ricotta typically lasts 1 week is the perfect time to prepare a recipe for stuffed shells. after opening. Always check the expiration date and store it sealed in the fridge.
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells cook extra in case some break
- Ground beef lean is best
- Ricotta cheese whole milk for creaminess
- Mozzarella cheese shredded
- Parmesan cheese grated
- Egg to bind the ricotta mixture
- Garlic and onion minced, for flavor
- Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil and oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- Optional: Spinach cottage cheese, or ground turkey as variations
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add jumbo shells and cook just until al dente (about 9–11 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Place shells on a baking sheet lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Half of the mozzarella
- Optional: Add spinach or cottage cheese
- Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the cooled beef mixture to create a uniform filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Use a spoon to fill each shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Arrange shells open side up in the dish.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 495 kcal |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 840mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Calcium | 280mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
