Description
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish combines creamy textures with hearty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
Filling
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula for about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings: To the browned beef in the skillet, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the flavors combine.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Stuff Pasta Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, then arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat everything through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Draining excess fat from the ground beef reduces grease in the final dish, keeping it creamy and flavorful.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to beef.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dried Italian herbs can be sprinkled on top after baking for added flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking chilled.
- Ensure the baking dish is covered during the first part of baking to trap moisture and prevent the shells from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Ricotta beef stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, creamy ricotta pasta, Italian stuffed shells, ground beef pasta bake
