Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal, then you’ve come to the right place. These Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are pure magic—creamy ricotta, seasoned ground beef, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in tender pasta shells and baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. In other words, it’s like a big, warm hug on a plate.

Not only is this recipe easy enough for beginners, but it’s also perfect for impressing guests. Moreover, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it’s my go-to for family dinners, and I can’t wait for you to try it. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Ricotta Beef Stuffed

• Perfect for family dinners – Everyone will be asking for seconds.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable – Swap out beef for turkey, add more veggies, or go meatless!
• Cheesy and comforting – Every bite is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients of Ricotta Beef Stuffed

For the Pasta Shells:

• 1 package jumbo pasta shells (gluten-free option available)

Filling:

• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

Sauce & Topping:

• 16 oz jarred pasta sauce (or homemade marinara)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Remaining mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Dried parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions Ricotta Beef Stuffed

1. Cook the Beef and Spinach

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef with minced garlic. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning while cooking. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped spinach until wilted, then remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Pasta Shells

4. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions. I like to cook them slightly under al dente so they hold their shape when stuffing. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Ricotta Filling

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Ricotta cheese
   • 8 oz mozzarella cheese
   • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
   • Eggs
   • Oregano & garlic powder
6. Fold in wilted spinach and half of the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Dish

7. Spread entire jar of pasta sauce evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a flavorful base.
8. Next, carefully stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture and place them open-side up in the dish. Be sure to pack them closely together so they stay upright.
9. After that, evenly sprinkle remaining ground beef over the stuffed shells, ensuring each one gets a good amount of meat.
10. Finally, generously top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously cheesy crust.

5. Bake and Broil

11. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.
12. Remove foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
13. Garnish with dried parsley and serve hot!

Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooked shells hold up better during baking.
• Use fresh ricotta – It makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
• Make it ahead – Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Customize it! – Add mushrooms, swap beef for turkey, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether.

What to Serve with Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Pair your stuffed shells with a light and simple side like this Ultimate Pasta and Peas Recipe for a fresh contrast. A simple garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad also make great companions!

Frequently Asked Questions about Ricotta Beef Stuffed

What’s the Difference Between Stuffed Manicotti and Stuffed Shells?

Both dishes use tube-shaped pasta; however, manicotti is larger and smooth, whereas jumbo shells have a ridged exterior and hold more filling.

How Do You Keep Stuffed Shells from Being Watery?

• First, drain ricotta well to remove excess moisture.
• Additionally, slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t absorb too much liquid.
• Finally, avoid overloading the filling with wet ingredients.

What Do Italians Eat Ricotta With?

Typically, Italians enjoy ricotta with honey, fruit, or spread on fresh bread. Furthermore, it’s a staple in lasagna, cannoli, and pasta dishes.

How Do You Make Store-Bought Ricotta Taste Better?

For a richer flavor, mix ricotta with a pinch of salt, lemon zest, olive oil, or fresh herbs before using it in recipes. This simple trick enhances the texture and taste significantly.

What Cheese is Good for Stuffed Shells?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are the most popular cheeses because they melt beautifully and add a rich, creamy texture. However, you can also try provolone, asiago, or fontina for extra flavor. If you want a sharper taste, aged cheddar or gouda can be interesting additions. Additionally, blending multiple cheeses can create a more complex and delicious filling.

Do I Need to Cook Manicotti Before Stuffing?

Yes, but only until it is slightly firm. This ensures it doesn’t break apart while filling. Some recipes suggest using uncooked manicotti and letting them soften while baking, but partially cooking them makes stuffing much easier. Also, cooking them al dente prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.

Do You Put Meat in Stuffed Shells?

It depends! Some recipes include ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken for extra protein and flavor, while others keep it vegetarian with just cheese and spinach. If you prefer a meatless option, you can enhance the filling with mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or even lentils to maintain a hearty texture.

What is Stuffed Pasta with Meat Called?

Stuffed pasta with meat is often called cannelloni or manicotti, depending on the shape. Cannelloni typically consists of pasta tubes filled with a mixture of meat and cheese, then covered in sauce and baked. In Italy, variations like agnolotti or tortellini can also contain meat fillings, offering a different yet equally delicious experience.

Are Stuffed Shells Authentic Italian?

While stuffed shells are popular in Italian-American cuisine, they are inspired by Italian conchiglioni ripieni—large pasta shells filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Traditional Italian versions often feature fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple yet flavorful sauces like a light tomato or béchamel sauce. In some regions of Italy, variations may include seafood or regional cheeses to give the dish a local twist.

What is a Substitute for Ricotta Cheese in Stuffed Shells?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a blend of cream cheese and Parmesan. Cottage cheese offers a similar texture with a slightly tangier flavor, while mascarpone provides a creamier and richer consistency. For a dairy-free alternative, blended tofu with nutritional yeast can mimic the ricotta texture while keeping the dish vegan-friendly.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• If you love cheesy and comforting Italian dishes like baked eggplant parmesan, you’ll definitely enjoy our Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells.
• For another hearty and delicious beef and pasta combination, check out this easy cheesy beef and bowtie pasta recipe.

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Try This Recipe Today!

This Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian stuffed shells with meat and cheese. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor! Let me know how yours turns out—I’d love to hear from you!

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