Looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests? Beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling might just be your new best friend. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just need a meal that feels like a hug, this recipe delivers. Packed with savory beef, rich ricotta, and topped with gooey cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
At Milestone Recipes, Miranda believes food should be simple, joyful, and full of heart. Raised in a bustling kitchen where love was measured in scoops and pinches, she crafts dishes that are about bringing people together. Beef and ricotta stuffed shells channel that spirit perfectly: they’re cozy, satisfying, and simple enough for even a beginner to pull off — no culinary degree required.
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Recipe
Ingredients
1 box jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells just until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and half of the cooked beef. Stir until everything’s happily married.
Stuff the shells: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat and ricotta stuffed shells filling into each shell.
Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells with meat and ricotta over the sauce. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
Don’t overcook the shells: Slightly undercooking helps them hold up during baking.
Get cheesy: Don’t skimp on the mozzarella — it’s the melty magic!
Messy is okay: If the filling spills out a little, that’s just extra goodness baked into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling with a simple green salad and some warm garlic bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Recommended Recipes
One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak and Cheese Ravioli
Looking for an easy, elegant dinner that feels like restaurant-quality without the fuss? This one-skillet garlic butter steak and cheese ravioli brings tender steak bites and pillowy ravioli together in a rich, buttery sauce — all in under 30 minutes.
Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup
When comfort is calling, this crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup answers. Hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a silky broth slow-cooked to perfection make this a soul-warming bowl of happiness — ideal for chilly evenings.
15-Minute Spicy Chicken Tenders
Short on time but craving big flavor? These 15-minute spicy chicken tenders deliver crispy, juicy chicken with a bold kick — perfect for a quick dinner, game-day snack, or even meal prep.
Notes
Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage if you prefer. You can also use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Yes! Cottage cheese works great if you want a lighter version of beef and ricotta stuffed shells.
Can I freeze beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50 minutes.
How long can I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef without sacrificing flavor in your meat and ricotta stuffed shells.
What’s the best sauce to use?
A rich marinara or even a hearty meat sauce pairs perfectly with stuffed shells with meat and ricotta.
Can I add spinach to the filling?
Definitely. Just make sure to squeeze out excess water if using frozen spinach.
Conclusion
There’s a special kind of magic in beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling. Miranda remembers the first time she made this dish with her grandmother, flour dusting the kitchen counter and laughter filling the air. It’s more than a meal — it’s a memory waiting to happen. Now, it’s your turn to create those moments in your own kitchen.
Print
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy, savory, and absolutely comforting, these beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling are perfect for busy nights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
1 box jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish.
Cook shells al dente. Drain and cool.
Brown beef; add garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix ricotta, half mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and beef.
Fill shells.
Layer sauce, shells, more sauce, and mozzarella in the dish.
Cover with foil, bake 25 min. Remove foil, bake 10 min.
Garnish with basil.
Notes
Substitute beef with turkey or sausage if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Classic
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling