Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

August 11, 2025 by admin

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### For the Dish:

* 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
* 2–3 cups marinara or pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
* Extra Parmesan for garnish
* Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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## Instructions

1. **Preheat oven** to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. **Cook the pasta shells:**
Boil the shells in salted water until just al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

3. **Make the beef filling:**
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.

4. **Mix the filling:**
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir until well blended.

5. **Stuff the shells:**
Fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the beef-ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish over a thin layer of marinara sauce.

6. **Top with sauce and cheese:**
Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. **Bake:**
Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

8. **Garnish and serve:**
Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

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## Serving Suggestions

* Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad
* Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
* Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot

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## Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

* **Make ahead:** Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
* **Freezer-friendly:** Freeze unbaked shells in a foil-covered dish. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen (add 15–20 minutes to cook time).
* **Leftovers:** Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.

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## Final Thoughts

This **Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta** is everything you want in a home-cooked meal — cheesy, meaty, saucy, and satisfying. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re feeding a big family or stocking your freezer for future cravings.

Simple to prepare, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to impress — this is pasta done right.

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Need a vegetarian version or tips for gluten-free shells? Just let me know — I’d be happy to help adjust the recipe!