Dinner

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 1 pound ground beef; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups marinara sauce; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

ByRafael Mansero April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

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Introduction

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta shells with a rich mixture of ground beef and cheeses. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, it’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

The image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with large pasta shells stuffed with a meat filling. Each pasta shell is covered with a layer of melted cheese that is golden and bubbly, topped with a red tomato sauce and sprinkled with chopped green herbs for freshness. The pasta shells have a ridged texture and the filling is slightly visible inside. The dish is set on a wooden table, though in the description the surface should be white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 jumbo shells pasta
1 pound ground beef
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups marinara sauce
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
Step 6: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 7: Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
Step 8: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 9: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra vegetables.
Consider using a spicy marinara sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.
To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze the fully assembled dish before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

How to Serve

A white baking dish holds several large pasta shells stuffed with a brown meat filling. Each shell is topped with melted white cheese and red tomato sauce, creating a mix of creamy and saucy textures. The shells are garnished with sprinkled green herbs, adding fresh color contrast. The dish is placed on a wooden surface, emphasizing the rich and hearty look of the baked stuffed pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil pasta shells for this recipe?

No-boil pasta shells are not recommended because jumbo shells need to be tender and flexible to stuff properly. Cooking them al dente before stuffing ensures the best texture.

Can I prepare this recipe without beef?

Yes, you can omit the beef and make a vegetarian version by adding extra cheese and vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.