Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling

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Introduction

Beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling are a hearty, comforting Italian-American dish that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, velvety ricotta, and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish offers a satisfying balance of cheesy indulgence and robust meatiness, all nestled inside tender pasta shells.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Stuffed pasta dishes have a long history in Italian cuisine, with variations seen in dishes like manicotti and cannelloni. While traditional stuffed pasta often contains just cheese or spinach, Italian-American adaptations introduced ground beef, sausage, or veal to create a more substantial meal. This dish has become a staple in many households, particularly in the U.S., where it is a favorite for potlucks and Sunday dinners.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Shells & Filling:

  • 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

For Topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Optional Additions

  • Spinach or Kale – Adds a nutritious twist when mixed into the ricotta filling.
  • Italian Sausage – Can be used in place of or alongside ground beef for a more robust flavor.
  • Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms can be added to the filling for extra depth.
  • Crushed Red Pepper – If you like heat, sprinkle some into the beef mixture.
  • White Sauce – Mix Alfredo with marinara for a creamy tomato blend.

Tips for Success

  1. Cook the shells al dente – Since they continue cooking in the oven, this prevents them from becoming too soft.
  2. Drain excess grease from beef – This keeps the filling from being too oily.
  3. Use high-quality marinara – A flavorful sauce elevates the dish.
  4. Let the shells cool slightly – Filling them is easier when they aren’t too hot.
  5. Cover while baking – Prevents the cheese from over-browning before the filling is fully heated.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:

  • Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Filling:

  • In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  • Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  • In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Stir in the beef mixture.

3. Assemble the Shells:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Fill each shell with the beef-ricotta mixture and place in the dish.
  • Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Bake:

  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

5. Serve:

  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Description

Each bite of these beef-stuffed shells is a perfect blend of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and savory beef, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. The combination of flavors creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent, making it an instant family favorite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Conclusion

Beef-stuffed shells with creamy ricotta filling bring the best of comfort food to the table. The combination of seasoned beef, velvety ricotta, and rich marinara makes this dish a perfect go-to for dinner parties, holidays, or a cozy night in.

Recommendation

Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter touch, serve with roasted vegetables or a simple balsamic-dressed arugula salad.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While this dish is undeniably indulgent, you can make it lighter by:

  • Using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Swapping part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella.
  • Adding chopped spinach or zucchini into the filling for extra nutrients.
  • Using whole wheat pasta shells for more fiber.

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