Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells: A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Crave!

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty plate of pasta, especially when it’s filled with rich flavors and topped with bubbling cheese. Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are the perfect dish to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. These large pasta shells, filled with a mixture of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, make a meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. This dish combines the best of Italian-inspired flavors, offering a balance of richness and freshness that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.

The magic behind these stuffed shells is in the filling. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses bring a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty note that elevates the flavors, and a touch of oregano ties it all together with a classic Italian herb vibe. The shells are then nestled in a bed of rich tomato basil sauce, making each bite a delightful combination of creamy, meaty, and tangy flavors.

Once baked to perfection, the shells become golden and bubbly, with a top layer of melted mozzarella that gives it that irresistible cheese-pull effect. The smell of garlic and oregano wafts through the kitchen, making it hard to wait for the timer to go off. And the best part? This dish is surprisingly easy to make, making it a great option for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Recipe: Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Ingredients:

• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells: Boil them in salted water until they reach an al dente texture. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add garlic and oregano, stirring until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the beef with ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Romano cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended.
4. Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of tomato basil sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with a generous portion of the beef mixture and arrange them snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells, making sure each one is well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the stuffed shells warm, and enjoy their comforting, cheesy goodness.

Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that feels both homey and special. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

For your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells recipe, I found several great sources that closely match the ingredients and steps you're looking for. These sources provide variations, storage tips, and helpful notes on enhancing flavor. Here's a brief summary of what they suggest:

1. Recipes by Clare offers a classic recipe for stuffed shells using ricotta and ground beef, with mozzarella and Romano cheeses. They suggest seasoning with garlic and oregano and baking in a rich tomato basil sauce for an added touch of Italian flavor​Recipes By Clare.
2. Taste of Home features a version that incorporates similar ingredients but adds the option to chill the shells overnight for more intense flavors. They also mention some potential variations, like using ground turkey or adding vegetables such as spinach for a healthier twist​Taste of Home.
3. Cookin' with Mima shares a recipe that includes a creamy marinara sauce and suggests serving the dish with side options like garlic bread or roasted vegetables. This source emphasizes versatility, noting that you can substitute ground beef with other meats or make the dish vegetarian​Cookin' with Mima.
4. My Home Made Recipe adds a twist by incorporating heavy cream into the marinara sauce, making it richer and creamier. They also suggest using freshly grated Parmesan and provide tips for making the dish ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prep or entertaining​My Home Made Recipe.