Introduction:
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory beef filling and creamy ricotta cheese. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
The combination of beef, herbs, and ricotta provides a rich, flavorful experience with each bite. It’s a wonderful way to bring together the warmth of comfort food with a bit of elegance.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
Beef-Stuffed Shells are part of the broader tradition of stuffed pasta dishes in Italian cuisine, with variations found in different regions of Italy and beyond.
Italian-American cuisine, in particular, has embraced stuffed pasta as a staple in home-cooked meals, often combining ricotta cheese and a variety of meats, such as beef or sausage.
The use of pasta shells (conchiglioni) as the base allows for a perfect vessel to hold the flavorful fillings. This dish holds a place of importance in Italian-American family dinners and is a common feature at holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients Quantity:
- Jumbo pasta shells: 16-20 shells (depending on the size of the baking dish)
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups (375g)
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups (180g), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g), grated
- Egg: 1 large
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce: 2 cups (500ml)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh basil: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Optional Additions:
- Spinach: Sautéed spinach can be added to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Mushrooms: Adding sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture enhances the umami flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Pine nuts: For added texture and a nutty flavor, toasted pine nuts can be sprinkled in the ricotta mixture.
- Marinara sauce: Substitute tomato sauce with your favorite marinara for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Cook the pasta shells al dente: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and breaking when stuffed, cook the shells al dente (slightly firm). You’ll bake them further, so they will soften during the cooking process.
- Drain and dry the shells thoroughly: After cooking, make sure to drain and dry the shells to avoid excess moisture affecting the texture of the filling.
- Season the beef well: Beef should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs to create a flavorful base for the filling.
- Use fresh ricotta: For the creamiest and most flavorful filling, opt for fresh ricotta cheese rather than pre-packaged varieties.
- Bake uncovered: Bake the stuffed shells uncovered to allow the cheese on top to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Let the dish rest before serving: Allow the stuffed shells to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to help them hold their shape when serving.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a paper towel to dry.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, and any optional additions such as spinach or herbs. Mix until well combined. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
- Stuff the shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed shells. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Description:
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a luxurious pasta dish that pairs rich beef with the smooth, creamy texture of ricotta cheese. The jumbo pasta shells are perfectly filled with a flavorful beef mixture, topped with melty mozzarella and a tangy tomato sauce, making every bite a comforting delight. The creamy filling combined with savory beef creates a balance of textures that melt in your mouth. Ideal for a special family meal or gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy and impress.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Conclusion:
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a wonderful, hearty dish that combines the best of pasta, cheese, and savory beef in one satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With a balance of flavor and texture, it’s a true comfort food that embodies the warmth and spirit of Italian-American cuisine.
Recommendation:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
For a more complete meal, consider serving with a light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. It’s also a great dish to prepare in advance and bake later, making it perfect for meal prepping or busy evenings.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence:
While this dish is indulgent and rich, you can make healthier swaps to reduce the calorie count without compromising flavor.
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap regular ricotta for part-skim ricotta, and load up the filling with spinach or other vegetables to increase the nutritional value. These tweaks can make the dish a little lighter while maintaining the comforting, satisfying experience you love.