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A close-up of baked creamy beef and ricotta stuffed pasta shells topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, ready to serve.

Creamy Dream: Indulgent Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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Indulge in our Creamy Dream: Indulgent Beef & Ricotta Stuffed Shells, a comforting pasta dish featuring large shells filled with savory beef and creamy ricotta, baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines rich flavors with an irresistibly cheesy exterior.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add ground beef. Cook until browned, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat to cool.
  4. Fill each shell with the beef and cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange stuffed shells in a baking dish.
  5. Spread marinara sauce over the shells, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese if desired, and bake for another 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • To prevent sticking, rinse cooked shells briefly with cold water.
  • For a healthier version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lean chicken.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, With Meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shell
  • Calories: 370 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg