Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Introduction
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta dish that brings together tender pasta shells, savory seasoned beef, and a rich, velvety ricotta filling. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal-prep, this recipe embodies the heartiness and warmth of classic Italian-American cuisine. Each shell is filled with a luscious blend of cheese and herbs, topped with hearty beef marinara and finished with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Shells:
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 cup marinara sauce
For the Ricotta Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
2. Prepare the Beef Sauce:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from heat.
3. Make the Ricotta Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Fill the Shells:
Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a baking dish.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the beef-marinara mixture evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Serve:
Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving for cleaner plating.
Origin
Stuffed shells (conchiglioni ripieni) originate from Italian cuisine, where pasta is often filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat and baked with tomato sauce. Italian immigrants introduced these dishes to America in the early 20th century, leading to variations like this beef-stuffed version—rich, hearty, and tailored to family-style meals.
Cultural Significance
In Italian and Italian-American households, baked pasta dishes symbolize warmth, hospitality, and shared meals. Stuffed shells are commonly served at gatherings, holidays, and Sunday family dinners. They represent the tradition of combining simple, accessible ingredients—pasta, cheese, tomato, and meat—into dishes that bring people together around the table.
Description
This dish features tender jumbo shells filled with a smooth and creamy ricotta mixture, paired with a flavorful beef marinara sauce. As it bakes, the cheeses melt into a decadent, savory topping that enhances the overall texture and aroma. The result is a satisfying, layered bite combining creaminess, savory meatiness, and the comforting taste of baked pasta.
Optional Additions
Enhance or personalize the dish with any of the following:
Spinach: Mix chopped, cooked spinach into the ricotta filling.
Fresh herbs: Basil, parsley, or oregano for brighter flavors.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For gentle heat.
Garlic: Add minced garlic to the ricotta or beef mixture.
Additional cheeses: Ricotta-parmesan blend, provolone, or Romano.
Vegetable additions: Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers mixed into the sauce.
Tips for Success
Prevent tearing: Don’t overcook the shells; al dente shells are easier to fill.
Drain well: Ensure both beef and pasta are drained to prevent a watery bake.
Use quality marinara: A good sauce elevates the entire dish.
Even filling: Use a small spoon or piping bag for uniform ricotta portions.
Let it rest: Allow the dish to stand for a few minutes after baking for cleaner serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, serves 4)
These are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Calories: 520
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g
Calcium: High due to the cheese content
Conclusion
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings a delicious blend of textures and flavors to your table. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Recommendation
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day, making it a reliable choice for meal prepping.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While rich and satisfying, this recipe can fit into a balanced lifestyle through mindful portions and simple adjustments—such as lean ground meat, reduced-fat ricotta, or added vegetables. It’s a wholesome way to enjoy comfort food without compromising nourishment.
If you’d like, I can also format this for a cookbook, add photos prompts, or create a printable version.
