If you love cheesy pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug, then this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of ricotta, ground beef, herbs, and cheese, then smothered in marinara sauce and baked until bubbly.
It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead!
Ingredients
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Beef Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion until fully browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg. Stir until smooth. Fold in the cooled beef mixture.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the ricotta-beef filling and arrange them in the dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Variation
- Spinach Add-In: Mix 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach into the ricotta filling
- Sausage Swap: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for more flavor
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup of Alfredo sauce to the ricotta mixture
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and load the filling with mushrooms or zucchini
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for heat
Cooking Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta shells—they’ll cook more in the oven. Let the meat mixture cool before mixing with ricotta to avoid scrambling the egg.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Serve with a side Caesar salad or roasted vegetables
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully
- Great for meal prep—makes delicious leftovers for lunch
- Serve family-style at gatherings and potlucks
Tips
- Use a piping bag or spoon to easily fill the shells
- For a golden top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking
- Let the dish sit before serving for easier slicing
- Freeze unbaked shells individually for a quick future meal
- Use fresh herbs for a flavor boost in both sauce and garnish
Time Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Nutrition will vary depending on sauce and cheese used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
- Absolutely. Freeze unbaked shells in a foil dish. When ready, bake from frozen—add 10–15 extra minutes.
What if I don’t have ricotta?
- You can substitute cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella.
Can I use a different sauce?
- Sure! Alfredo or vodka sauce also works well for a twist.
How do I reheat leftovers?
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is the kind of classic baked pasta dish that brings warmth and joy to every bite. Cheesy, savory, and comforting, it’s everything you want in an Italian-style family meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping, or treating yourself, this recipe is always a winner. Make it once and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.