Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Are you ready for a warm, comforting dish that the whole family will love? Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a creamy and flavorful marvel that brings comfort food to a new level! Picture this: large, tender pasta shells enveloped in a rich and cheesy filling, then topped with savory ground beef and bubbly melted cheese. It’s a dish that delights every palate! I remember the first time I made this for my family—smiles all around the table, and my kids couldn’t get enough! If you love recipes like my Easy Lasagna, you’ll adore this one too! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that wraps everyone in a warm embrace!

What is Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling?

So, what’s in a name? Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling sounds fancy, but it’s just as fun to make as it is to say! This dish takes jumbo pasta shells and fills them with a dreamy mixture of ricotta, beef, and spices. Why are they called shells, you ask? Well, the shells cozy up to all that creamy goodness, making me think of how the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Seriously, who can resist such richness? Ready to give it a whirl? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This:

There are many reasons you’ll fall head over heels for Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling! First and foremost, the highlight of this dish is its creamy filling combined with savory beef, which creates a flavor explosion in every bite! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love hearty comfort food? Making this dish at home is also budget-friendly; it’s an excellent way to whip up a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Not to mention, the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses sprinkled on top adds a cheesy twist that makes it hard to resist! If you’re curious about other comforting dishes, be sure to check out my Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe. It’s equally delicious! Now it’s time to make dinner a breeze by trying this recipe out at home!

How to Make:

Quick Overview

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is everything you need in a dinner recipe: delicious, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make! You can prepare this dish in about 45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. You’ll love the creamy ricotta squidged into enormous pasta shells, complimented by the beef’s hearty flavor. What’s not to love?

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly!
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool them. You want them soft but firm enough to hold the filling.
3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces while cooking. Drain any excess fat and mix in your marinara sauce, then remove from heat.
4. Mix the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is creamy and smooth.
5. Fill the shells: Take each pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the ricotta mixture, then place them in a greased baking dish.
6. Layer the beef: Pour the beef mixture over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell gets its share of that savory goodness.
7. Cheesy topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the entire dish.
8. Bake it: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and enjoy! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the satisfaction of this hearty meal!

What to Serve Beef-Stuffed Shells with:

To enhance your Beef-Stuffed Shells, why not serve them with a simple side salad, lightly dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar? A side of garlic bread would also be perfect for soaking up that sweet marinara sauce. And don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water to wash it all down!

Top Tips for Perfecting:

• Perfect Pasta: Ensure not to overcook the shells; al dente is your best friend here!
• Equal Filling: Fill the shells evenly for balanced flavors and avoid overflow.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some chopped spinach or mushrooms into the beef mixture to add nutrition and flavor.
• Don’t rush the baking: Allow it to bubble and get that golden crust for the best texture and taste!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different meats?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
2. Is it gluten-free?
   You can use gluten-free pasta shells if needed.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the dish beforehand and bake it when you’re ready.

Conclusion

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a meal that’s not just easy to make, but it also brings everyone together around the dinner table. It’s cozy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This recipe promises to become a regular in your household lineup, perfect for those busy weeknights or special family dinners. So grab your ingredients and whip up a dish that everyone will rave about!