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Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling


  • Author: Freya Allen
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Hearty jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, baked in marinara and topped with melty mozzarella.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 2025 jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta shells until al dente; drain and set aside.
  • Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; season and cool slightly.
  • Mix cheeses, egg, and parsley; combine with cooled beef.
  • Fill shells with beef-cheese mixture.
  • Spread marinara in baking dish, layer filled shells, top with sauce and mozzarella.
  • Bake at 375°F covered for 30 mins, then uncovered for 10–15 mins.
  • Garnish and serve warm.

Notes

  • Undercook shells slightly to avoid tearing during stuffing.
  • Use a piping bag for easier and cleaner shell filling.
  • Freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal.
  • Substitute ground turkey or sausage for variation.
  • Great for leftovers and meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 3–4 stuffed shells)
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: beef stuffed shells, ricotta stuffed shells, baked pasta recipe, cheesy Italian pasta, ground beef pasta