Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling 🍝🧀

A Comforting Italian Classic – Easy & Delicious!

These Beef-Stuffed Shells are the ultimate hearty, cheesy comfort food—jumbo pasta shells stuffed with savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked in marinara sauce until bubbly. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen!

📋 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Shells & Beef

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor!)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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 (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheesy Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish!)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep & Cook the Shells

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions (al dente—they’ll soften more while baking!). Drain and cool slightly.

2️⃣ Brown the Beef

  1. In a skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain fat.
  2. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer 2 mins. Remove from heat.

3️⃣ Make the Ricotta Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix:
  • Ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper until smooth.

4️⃣ Stuff & Assemble

  1. Fill each shell with ricotta mixture (about 1 tbsp per shell).
  2. Arrange shells seam-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spoon beef-marinara mixture over the shells.
  4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection

  1. Cover with foil and bake 25 mins.
  2. Uncover and bake 10 more mins until cheese is golden and bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Let rest 5 mins before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

🔥 Pro Tips for Success

✅ Prevent soggy shells: Undercook pasta by 1–2 mins (they’ll finish baking).
✅ Extra flavor: Add ½ tsp garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the ricotta.
✅ Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight (add 5–10 mins baking time).
✅ Freezer-friendly: Freeze before baking (thaw overnight, then bake as directed).

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • With: Garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
  • Pair with: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese.
  • Leftovers? Reheat in the oven for best texture (microwave makes shells soft).

🌿 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, 3 shells)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Cheesy goodness: 22g fat

🎉 Why You’ll Love This Dish

✔ Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults devour it!
✔ Versatile: Swap beef for chicken, mushrooms, or spinach.
✔ Perfect for potlucks—travels well and reheats beautifully.

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