Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Hearty, Flavorful Italian Classic

Growing up, my family would gather around the table for hearty Italian meals, and stuffed pasta shells were always a crowd favorite. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich cheese made for a meal that everyone loved. I fondly remember helping my mom stuff each shell and layer them in a baking dish, the aroma of marinara sauce filling the kitchen. This dish has remained a staple in our family, and I’m excited to share this easy-to-follow recipe with you.

Ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells are the perfect comfort food, combining all the flavors you love about Italian cuisine in a simple, easy-to-make dish. The creamy ricotta cheese filling, paired with flavorful ground beef, melty mozzarella, and provolone, creates a rich, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The large, jumbo pasta shells provide the perfect vessel to hold a savory filling of ricotta, ground beef, and Italian spices. The addition of marinara sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and provolone cheese creates a baked dish that’s comforting and filling, but not too heavy. It’s a perfect example of the simplicity and beauty of Italian cooking, using just a handful of ingredients to create something truly delicious.

This recipe is also versatile—whether you want to switch up the meat, use a different sauce, or experiment with different cheeses, it’s easy to adapt to your preferences. The fact that you can make it ahead of time makes it an excellent option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients and Preparation

Jumbo Pasta Shells
The base of this dish, these large shells hold the ricotta and beef filling. They are easy to find at most grocery stores and add a fun, hearty touch to the meal.

Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta adds a creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor, making it the perfect filling for the pasta shells. It also binds the filling together, making it easier to stuff the shells.

Ground Beef
Ground beef provides the protein and savory flavor in this dish. You can opt for lean ground beef to make the dish slightly lighter, or choose regular ground beef for a richer taste.

Marinara Sauce
The tomato-based sauce gives the dish its signature Italian flavor. You can use store-bought marinara for convenience or make your own for a more personalized touch.

Provolone, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheese
These cheeses provide richness and depth. Provolone and mozzarella add a melty, gooey texture, while Parmesan brings a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

Egg
The egg helps bind the ricotta and beef filling, ensuring it stays together when stuffed into the shells.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Italian Seasoning
These seasonings give the dish an aromatic base, enhancing the savory flavors of the beef and cheese. You can also adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Salt and Pepper
These basic seasonings help balance and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool.

Step 3 In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, ½ cup of the provolone and mozzarella blend, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and the egg. Add the cooked ground beef to the mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4 Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 5 Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil.

Step 6 Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden.

Step 7 Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or more grated Parmesan if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta: When cooking the jumbo shells, make sure to cook them al dente (firm to the bite) so they don’t become too soft and tear when stuffing.

Use a light hand with the filling: Don’t overstuff the pasta shells. A heaping tablespoon of filling is perfect for each shell.

Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains starch to prevent clumping, which can affect the melting. Shred your own cheese for the best texture and melt.

Bake with foil: When baking, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes. This will ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning the top.

Serving Suggestions

These ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells pair wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a heartier meal.

If you’re looking for extra cheese, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan on top of the shells before serving can add an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich cheese, savory beef, and a tangy marinara sauce in one hearty dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. I encourage you to try it out and share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

2. FAQ About Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

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