A Comforting Italian Classic with a Hearty Twist!
These Beef-Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta, savory ground beef, and a luscious ricotta filling for the ultimate baked pasta dish. Topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests—it’s cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor!
Full Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)
- 1 egg (helps bind the filling)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Sides:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Cook the Pasta
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil jumbo shells according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes).
- Drain and cool slightly (so they’re easier to handle).
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4️⃣ Stuff the Shells
- Fill each shell with ricotta mixture (a spoon or piping bag works well).
- Arrange shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Spoon the beef-marinara mixture over the shells.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 4-6
Expert Tips & FAQs
❓ Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
✅ Yes! Blend cottage cheese until smooth for a similar texture.
❓ Can I make this ahead?
- Assemble (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze before baking for up to 3 months—thaw before baking.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep moist.
❓ Can I add veggies?
- Spinach (mix into ricotta)
- Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini (layer with beef)
❓ What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
- Use manicotti tubes or lasagna noodles (rolled with filling).
Why This Recipe Works
✨ Easy to customize (add more cheese, spice, or veggies).
✨ Feeds a crowd—double the recipe for parties!
✨ Freezer-friendly for quick future meals.
Perfect Pairings:
- Crusty garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Final Thoughts
These Beef-Stuffed Shells are comfort food at its finest—rich, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, they’re always a hit!
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below! 🍝❤️
