Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Description:
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and a rich, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Baked to perfection, the dish offers layers of flavor and textures that are sure to please everyone at the table. With its hearty filling and cheesy goodness, these stuffed shells are a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes that are both easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the ground beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat. - Add marinara sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine with the beef, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare the ricotta filling:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. - Cook the pasta shells:
While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. - Stuff the pasta shells:
Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, carefully stuff each shell with a generous spoonful of the beef mixture and the ricotta cheese filling. - Assemble the dish:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, making sure they are nestled tightly together. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. - Bake the stuffed shells:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Allow the Beef-Stuffed Shells to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, these stuffed shells freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- In the Microwave: To reheat individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
- In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative to ground beef. - Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta, though it will change the texture slightly. For a smoother consistency, blend the cottage cheese before using it. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the ground beef and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian version. - Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?
Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used, but it may create a slightly more watery sauce. It adds a rich, creamy texture. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells for the dish to be gluten-free. Always check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. - How do I know when the stuffed shells are done baking?
The shells are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the pasta are lightly golden. - Can I freeze this dish before baking?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
While jumbo shells are ideal, you can use other large pasta shapes like manicotti or even cannelloni. - What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, or for a homemade option, simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and basil. - How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?
Make sure to cook the shells in plenty of salted water and stir them occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking. - Can I make this dish without an egg?
Yes, you can omit the egg if you prefer. The ricotta cheese will still hold the filling together, though it may be a little less firm. - Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, you can use leftover ground beef or pre-cooked beef. Just add the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors. - Can I add more spices to the ricotta filling?
Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like basil, thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. - What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. - How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce or the ricotta filling for extra heat. - Can I add more cheese to the dish?
Absolutely! Add extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for more cheesy goodness. - What can I serve with Beef-Stuffed Shells?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables would pair wonderfully with this dish. - Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with lamb, pork, or even ground chicken for a different flavor. - What if the shells break while stuffing?
Be gentle while stuffing the shells, but if they do break, simply layer the broken shells in the baking dish like a lasagna.
20 Best Tips to Make This Recipe:
- Don’t overcook the pasta—cook the shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when stuffed and baked.
- Drain the beef well to avoid excess grease in the dish.
- Reserve some marinara sauce to top the shells with extra sauce after baking if needed.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the ricotta filling for added flavor.
- Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier.
- Mix the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for a smoother, creamier filling.
- Use a spoon to stuff the shells rather than your hands for more precision.
- Top with extra cheese before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Season the beef mixture with additional spices like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for more depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the stuffed shells just before serving for extra richness.
- Layer the shells tightly in the baking dish to ensure they stay together and absorb the sauce.
- Add a dash of white wine to the marinara sauce for a more complex flavor.
- Use a baking dish with high sides to help the stuffed shells cook evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning, and remove the foil near the end for a golden finish.
- Make the marinara sauce from scratch for an extra boost of flavor and freshness.
- Use a cookie scoop to stuff the shells easily and uniformly.
- Double the recipe to make a large batch that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers.
- Freeze individual portions of the stuffed shells for quick meals later on.
- For extra flavor, sauté onions and mushrooms with the beef mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the presentation and flavor.
These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are the perfect mix of hearty, cheesy, and flavorful, making them a great choice for any dinner occasion. Enjoy!
