There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta. This dish takes classic Italian flavors—tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, rich ricotta, and gooey melted cheese—and turns them into a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.
Whether you’re a fan of baked pasta dishes like lasagna or manicotti, this recipe offers the same indulgent experience with a fun, bite-sized twist. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Just as delicious as your favorite Italian eatery, but made in your own kitchen.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Swap meats, cheeses, or sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stuffed Shells
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells (about 12 oz)
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (helps bind the filling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce & Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add jumbo shells and cook for 9-10 minutes (they should be slightly undercooked, as they’ll finish baking later).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- ½ cup mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
- Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
3. Stuff the Shells
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Carefully fill each shell with the ricotta-beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Mix the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce with ½ cup heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture.
- Pour evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal!
Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells
🔹 Prevent Shells from Breaking – Don’t overcook them initially; they should still be firm enough to hold their shape.
🔹 Use High-Quality Ricotta – Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture.
🔹 Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
🔹 Freeze for Later – Freeze unbaked stuffed shells (without sauce) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
🔹 Vegetarian Option – Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based crumbles.
Serving Suggestions
🍷 Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or a buttery Chardonnay.
🥖 Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Caesar salad or roasted vegetables
- Grilled zucchini or asparagus
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences!
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments. Buon appetito! 🍝🧀