Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting, hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich and creamy ricotta filling, all nestled inside tender jumbo pasta shells. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked in marinara sauce, this dish is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The simplicity and satisfaction it delivers make it a timeless favorite in any home.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until well combined.
- Stir the cooled beef mixture into the ricotta filling.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the additional mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrients
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 23g
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling: A Delicious Comfort Food Classic
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a dish that combines hearty flavors, comforting textures, and a rich blend of ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. This Italian-inspired recipe has all the right elements that make it a crowd-pleaser: tender jumbo pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy ricotta filling. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked in marinara sauce, it’s a well-rounded meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this dish will surely impress.
The Origins of Stuffed Pasta Dishes
Stuffed pasta dishes have a long-standing history in Italian cuisine. Italy is known for its wide variety of pasta, and stuffing pasta shells with delicious fillings has been a way to elevate the dish. One of the most famous examples of stuffed pasta is ravioli, but pasta shells (conchiglie) have also been popular, especially when stuffed with flavorful fillings like ricotta, spinach, or meat. Beef-stuffed shells are a variation that brings together the richness of ground beef with the smoothness of the ricotta cheese, making it a filling, satisfying meal. Stuffed pasta dishes like Beef-Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Filling are often associated with family meals and special occasions.
Why This Dish Works So Well
What sets Beef-Stuffed Shells apart from other pasta dishes is its combination of flavors and textures. The jumbo pasta shells provide the perfect vessel for the savory beef and creamy ricotta filling. The shells are large enough to hold a generous amount of stuffing, yet they cook evenly and provide a satisfying bite. The ricotta filling is smooth and creamy, offering a mild, fresh taste that complements the bold flavors of the seasoned beef. The ground beef adds richness and depth to the dish. When browned and mixed with onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, it takes on a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. The marinara sauce ties everything together with its tangy, tomato-based richness, while the melted mozzarella on top adds a gooey, cheesy finish. One of the biggest advantages of Beef-
The Benefits of Preparing Beef-Stuffed Shells
Making Beef-Stuffed Shells at home offers several benefits. First, it allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresh, wholesome meal. Using high-quality ricotta cheese, lean ground beef, and fresh herbs can make a noticeable difference in the final result. Additionally, making this dish from scratch means you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. For example, you could add more garlic or Italian seasoning for a stronger flavor, or incorporate red pepper flakes for some added heat. Another advantage of making Beef-Stuffed Shells at home is that it’s a relatively easy dish to prepare, even for those with little cooking experience.
The Perfect Pairings for Beef-Stuffed Shells
While Beef-Stuffed Shells is a complete meal on its own, there are plenty of side dishes that can complement its rich flavors and enhance the overall dining experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Salads: A fresh, light salad can provide a contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells. Try a classic Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The acidity in the dressing will balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is a popular side dish that pairs beautifully with stuffed pasta. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus, adds a healthy element to the meal. The slight char from roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a delicious contrast to the savory pasta.
- Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, would pair wonderfully with Beef-Stuffed Shells. The acidity and tannins in the wine complement the rich, cheesy pasta, making it the perfect beverage for this dish.
Healthier Modifications for Beef-Stuffed Shells
While Beef-Stuffed Shells is a delicious comfort food, there are ways to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are some modifications you can consider:
- Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce the fat content of the dish. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner protein option.
- Low-Fat Ricotta Cheese: Opt for part-skim or low-fat ricotta cheese to cut down on the overall calorie and fat content of the dish while still maintaining that creamy texture.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap out regular jumbo pasta shells for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta shells to add fiber and make the dish more nutritious.
- Add Vegetables: For added vitamins and minerals, consider mixing in some finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the beef filling.
Conclusion
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is the perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it a timeless and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is sure to please. Its versatility allows for endless customization, and the option to prepare it ahead of time makes it a convenient choice for any occasion.
