Oh, let me tell you about the pure joy that is beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners or when you need a little comfort food magic. Imagine the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef mingling with that luscious, creamy ricotta filling, all nestled inside tender jumbo pasta shells. It’s a beautiful symphony of textures and tastes, and every bite just makes you feel at home. Seriously, once you take a forkful of these stuffed shells, you’ll understand why they’re a family favorite! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, so you can have that warm, satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these delicious beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling to life! I promise, gathering these ingredients will only add to your excitement.
- 12 jumbo pasta shells: These are the big, beautiful shells that will hold all that tasty filling! Make sure to get the jumbo size so they can hold plenty of deliciousness.
- 1 pound ground beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier twist. This will be the savory star of the show, so get a nice quality beef for the best flavor.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness is what makes the filling so rich and smooth. Look for whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that’s hard to resist!
- 2 cups marinara sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade—whatever you prefer! This sauce will drench our shells in a lovely, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is for the gooey, melty topping that brings everything together. I like to use whole milk mozzarella for that stretchy consistency!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: You’ll sprinkle this on top for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a nice salty kick that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
- 1 egg: This acts as a binder in the ricotta filling, helping everything stay together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for that aromatic flavor! It’ll infuse the beef with a lovely garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs elevates the flavor profile and gives a true Italian flair to your dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget these essentials! They’ll really help to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
How to Prepare Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of making beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! This step-by-step guide will walk you through each part of the process, making it super simple and enjoyable. I promise, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get those jumbo pasta shells cooked to perfection! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, carefully add the jumbo shells and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, which usually takes about 9-11 minutes. You want them firm enough to hold the filling without breaking apart. Once they’re done, drain them gently in a colander and give them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside and let them cool a bit while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Beef Mixture
Now, onto the star of the show—the beef! In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the pound of ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, stirring occasionally, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break it up with your spoon for even cooking. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting too greasy. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute or two, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Making the Ricotta Filling
Let’s get that creamy filling ready! In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Use a fork or a spatula to mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want a luscious, creamy texture that’s easy to stuff into those shells. Once mixed, grab your cooled pasta shells and start the stuffing process! Spoon in that delightful ricotta mixture into each shell, filling them generously but not overflowing. It’s a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun!
Assembling and Baking
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom—this helps keep the shells moist while baking. Then, carefully place the stuffed shells in the dish, side by side. Once they’re all snugly in, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Don’t be shy; cover those shells well! Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that gooey, cheesy finish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma, and the cheese is all melty. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then enjoy this comforting dish to your heart’s content!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling turn out absolutely perfect! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you elevate your dish and make the process even smoother.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook those jumbo shells until they’re just al dente! This way, they’ll hold their shape when you stuff them and won’t turn mushy in the oven.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, chop some up and mix it into the ricotta filling. It adds a burst of freshness that truly enhances the flavors!
- Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix it up with different types of cheese! Try adding some crumbled feta or a sprinkle of goat cheese for a unique twist in the filling.
- Meat alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance! Just assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It makes dinner time so much easier!
- Get saucy: Don’t hesitate to add more marinara sauce if you like a saucier dish. It keeps everything nice and moist while baking, and who doesn’t love extra sauce?
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most scrumptious beef stuffed shells ever! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note before you dig into these delicious beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling! The nutritional information provided can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to give you accurate estimates, remember that these values are not set in stone. Always feel free to adjust based on your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your cooking, and know that you’re creating something wonderfully satisfying!
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling is that you can prepare them ahead of time. Just assemble the stuffed shells and place them in your baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven! If they’ve been refrigerated, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner, and trust me, it’s a lifesaver!
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand or are looking for alternatives, don’t worry! You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth for a similar texture. Cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk also works nicely if you want something richer. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended with a splash of lemon juice to mimic that creamy taste. Each of these substitutes will give you a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll still make for a delicious filling!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers of these delightful beef stuffed shells is super easy! Just let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the shells into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them if you’re short on time—just be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Comforting Meal: There’s nothing quite like a plate of warm beef stuffed shells to make you feel cozy and satisfied. It’s like a big hug from the inside!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste—add different spices, switch up the cheese, or even use a different sauce to keep things exciting!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get everyone to the table and enjoy a wonderful meal together.
- Leftover Heaven: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully and make for a fantastic lunch the next day!
Beef Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Beef stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling is a comforting dish that combines pasta and a savory meat mixture.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Mix well.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Substitute marinara with your favorite pasta sauce.
- Top with fresh basil for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef stuffed shells, creamy ricotta filling, pasta dish