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A plate of creamy beef and ricotta stuffed pasta shells topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs

Indulgent Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells: A Creamy Dream Come True

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Indulgent Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a creamy, savory dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and cheeses, baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying comfort food experience.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 container ricotta cheese (15 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked beef, and egg until well blended.
  4. Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture. Arrange shells in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
  5. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle extra cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overfill the shells to prevent cracking during baking.
  • You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Regular

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg