Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe
- The Secret to the Perfect Ricotta Filling
- How to Make This Dish Even More Flavorful
- Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe is a perfect comfort food dish featuring a rich, cheesy filling and savory marinara sauce. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and great for both weeknights and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a baked pasta dish, and this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe is a showstopper. The combination of tender pasta shells, creamy ricotta filling, and hearty beef in a flavorful marinara sauce makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
The Secret to the Perfect Ricotta Filling
Getting the ricotta filling just right is key to making this stuffed shells recipe a success. The secret lies in using high-quality ricotta cheese, combining it with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor, and seasoning it with just the right amount of garlic powder and Italian herbs. A single egg helps bind everything together, giving the filling a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
How to Make This Dish Even More Flavorful
To enhance the taste of your creamy ricotta beef stuffed shells, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinara sauce for depth. Fresh basil and oregano can take the flavor to the next level, while a final sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving adds the perfect finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pairing this stuffed shells dish with the right sides will turn it into a well-rounded meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness, while homemade garlic bread is the perfect companion for scooping up that extra sauce. For a cozy Italian dinner experience, serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time! Simply assemble the stuffed shells, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked shells and bake them straight from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.
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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
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