Irresistible Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells Recipe for Dinner Joy

Pasta lovers rejoice as these creamy ricotta beef shells will transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Tender pasta shells nestle perfectly with rich, seasoned ground beef.

The velvety ricotta creates a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory and smooth flavors.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will absolutely adore this impressive dinner.

Dive into a plate of pure culinary bliss that guarantees smiles around the table.

Assembling and Cooking Beef Shells with Ease

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a delicious adventure.

• Pasta Prep

Boil those beautiful shells in salty water until they’re perfectly tender, then let them chill out while you work magic.

• Beef Sizzle

Brown the ground beef in a hot skillet, tossing in garlic and oregano for an irresistible aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Cheesy Fusion

Mix the cooked beef with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, sharp Pecorino Romano, and a whisked egg. Season with salt and pepper for a flavor explosion.

• Shell Stuffing

Spread a layer of tomato basil sauce in your baking dish. Lovingly fill each shell with the meaty cheese mixture, nestling them close together.

• Final Flourish

Drench the shells with remaining sauce and sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella on top for that irresistible golden crust.

• Baking Transformation

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly with tempting crispy edges.

• Serving Celebration

Let the shells rest briefly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve while still warm and inviting.

Ideas to Richen the Ricotta Blend

• Cheese Lover's Tweak: Swap ricotta with creamy goat cheese for a tangy flavor profile that adds unexpected depth to your beef shells.
• Spice Master's Move: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for those who enjoy a zesty bite.
• Veggie Boost Strategy: Sneak in finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cheese filling to increase nutritional value without changing the overall taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or use large roasted zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative that still delivers incredible flavor.

How to Serve These Beef Shells Gracefully

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty pasta dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy shells.
• Bread Lover's Sidekick: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and catch every last bit of cheesy goodness.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully balances the creamy ricotta and savory beef.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Saving Your Pasta for a Second Round

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover shells in an airtight container, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual or whole portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for quicker heating, but oven method maintains better texture and taste.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: If preparing ahead, keep cheese and meat mixtures separate in sealed containers. Combine just before assembling shells to maintain optimal freshness and prevent soggy textures.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Ricotta Beef Shells Ingredient Rundown

• Pasta Shells: Provides the perfect vessel for holding the delectable filling, choose medium-sized shells for optimal stuffing capacity.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling, ensuring a well-seasoned foundation.

• Ground Beef: Delivers rich, meaty depth to the dish, opt for lean ground beef for a balanced texture.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity and depth, select fresh cloves for the most vibrant flavor.
• Dried Oregano: Introduces classic Italian herbaceous notes, choose high-quality dried herbs for maximum impact.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a luxurious, smooth filling base with subtle milky sweetness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy texture and mild, comforting flavor.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty complexity to elevate the overall taste profile.
• Egg: Binds the filling ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive and creamy consistency.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning powerhouses that balance and enhance the entire dish's flavor.

• Tomato Basil Sauce: Delivers vibrant, tangy base that complements the rich cheese and beef.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright garnish with a touch of herbal freshness.

Kitchen Setup for Stuffed Ricotta Shells

• Large Pot: For boiling pasta shells in salted water.
• Skillet: To cook ground beef with garlic and oregano.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining beef, ricotta, and other filling ingredients.
• Baking Dish: To assemble and bake stuffed shells.
• Foil: To cover dish during initial baking.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for grating fresh Pecorino Romano.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: To drain cooked pasta shells.

Tender Ricotta Beef Shells

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich, cheesy ricotta beef shells combine Italian-inspired comfort with hearty flavors. Pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
• ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 20 large pasta shells
• 2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Heat the oven to 375°F, establishing an ideal baking environment for the shells.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a skillet, incorporating minced garlic and dried oregano midway through cooking until meat is thoroughly cooked and fragrant.
3. Filling Creation: Combine the seasoned beef with ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated filling.
4. Assembly Technique: Spread tomato basil sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared beef and cheese mixture, arranging them neatly in the sauce-lined dish. Cover the stuffed shells with the remaining tomato basil sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the shells, creating a tempting golden layer that will melt and bubble during baking.
6. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, creating a perfectly melted top.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, fresh accent. Serve hot, presenting a comforting and flavorful meal that promises to delight.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the shells completely up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator for convenient meal planning and time-saving preparation.
• Pasta Perfection Tip: Slightly undercook shells by 1-2 minutes during boiling to prevent overcooking when baked, ensuring a tender, not mushy texture.
• Cheese Blend Balance: Use room temperature cheeses for smoother mixing and more consistent incorporation into the beef filling, enhancing overall flavor integration.
• Moisture Management: Drain ground beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent excess liquid from making the shells soggy, maintaining the dish’s desired creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg