Jumbo Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for the Best Stuffed Shells Recipe Ever!

Fancy some proper comfort food? You know, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the sofa and binge watch Netflix? Well, have I got a treat for you! These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are an absolute game changer.

Honestly, this dish is like a warm hug.

These Italian stuffed shells are thought to have originated in Southern Italy. It's a hearty, rustic dish. I think nonnas everywhere would approve! The recipe isn't too tricky.

Plus, it takes about an hour and a half from start to finish. This jumbo stuffed shells recipe will make enough for about 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You'll Fall in Love with This Easy Stuffed Shells Dinner

Ricotta stuffed pasta is such an ideal comfort food pasta recipes, this recipe brings some benefits. Did you know ricotta is packed with protein and calcium? This recipe is perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner.

Or, you know, impressing your mates with your killer cooking skills. But what really makes these shells special? It's the combination of the creamy ricotta filling with the savory beef.

The tangy tomato sauce makes this a comfort food pasta recipes . The textures all play together, the warmth that is just… Oh my days!.

Let's Talk Ingredients: What You'll Need for These Dreamy Shells

Before we get started on making Beef Stuffed Shells With Ricotta , let's make sure you've got all your bits and bobs sorted.

I usually like to have everything prepped and ready to go, that way I don't have to spend more time.

Now, here's the list of ingredients for your new favourite Baked stuffed shells .

Ingredients & Equipment for The Best Stuffed Shells Recipe

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these epic Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells . Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds. Trust me!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Ricotta Stuffed Pasta

• Jumbo Shells: You'll need 1 (12-ounce/340g) box . Don't skimp. Grab the big ones! Plus 1 tbsp olive oil and salt , for the water.
• Beef Filling: Get 1 pound (454g) of ground beef, an 80/20 blend is great. You also need 1 medium yellow onion (diced), and 2 cloves garlic (minced).
• Ricotta Goodness: 15 ounces (425g) of whole milk ricotta cheese, drained is essential. You want the good stuff! Also get 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley, 1 large egg , and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg.
• Tomato Sauce Magic: 2 tbsp olive oil , 2 cloves garlic (minced again!), 1 (28-ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes, and 1 (15-ounce/425g) can tomato sauce.
• Topping: 8 ounces (227g) of shredded mozzarella cheese!

If you are looking for Easy stuffed shells dinner , its all about choosing good ingredients.

Seasoning Notes: Flavors That Pop!

Oregano and basil are your best mates here. For the beef, use 1 tsp dried oregano , 1/2 tsp dried basil , and a pinch of red pepper flakes .

Salt and pepper, of course! The tomato sauce needs the same oregano and basil amounts. A tiny bit of sugar (1/4 tsp) balances the acidity sometimes.

For a nice Italian stuffed shells flavour, you can't go wrong with this combo.

Not got fresh parsley? Dried parsley is fine in a pinch. Don't sweat it!

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Required

• A big pot for the jumbo stuffed shells recipe . You need plenty of room!
• A skillet or Dutch oven for the beef.
• Mixing bowls, naturally.
• And a 9x13 inch baking dish for baking.
• You'll also need Measuring cups and spoons.

Honestly, that's it! No need for a fancy pasta machine or anything. If you don't have a fancy cheese grater, the box grater you use for cheddar will work too.

Just get ready to make Beef Stuffed Shells With Ricotta ! It's one of those comfort food pasta recipes that will always have you covered! This Ricotta Shells Stuffed meal is easy to make! You got this.

Now that you know the ingredients for Baked stuffed shells , let's get cooking.

Making the Best Stuffed Shells Recipe: An Easy Dinner

Honestly, you guys, are you ready for this? I'm about to share my go-to Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells recipe.

It's like a warm hug on a plate. This jumbo stuffed shells recipe is a total crowd pleaser. Forget your troubles because we are doing some comfort food pasta recipes .

Let's dive into ricotta shells stuffed that will make you forget any diet you were ever on!

Prep Steps: Get Your Stuff Together!

First things first: mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything prepped and ready to go. Dice your onion, mince your garlic, and measure out your spices.

This cuts down time, big time. Honestly, this part takes 45 minutes , and you can even chill it for 15 minutes if needed.

Trust me, having all your bits ready makes cooking so much smoother.

step-by-step Process: Shell Shockingly Easy

1. Cook the pasta until al dente . Not mushy! (8- 10 minutes) .
2. Brown the beef with onion, garlic, and spices. Don't forget to drain the fat!
3. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, egg, and nutmeg. This is where the magic happens for this Italian stuffed shells !
4. Simmer your tomato sauce. Good tomatoes make all the difference. ( 15 minutes) .
5. Stuff those shells! Mix the beef and ricotta then Load each pasta shell generously.
6. Spread sauce, arrange shells, and top with mozzarella for these baked stuffed shells .
7. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until bubbly and golden. (25- 30 minutes) .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shell Game

My best tip: drain your ricotta . Extra moisture equals a watery filling. Yuck. The Best Stuffed Shells Recipe uses the best ingredients, like good quality tomatoes for the sauce.

Seriously, this dish is even a decent easy stuffed shells dinner .

To avoid common mistakes: Don't overcook the pasta . Mushy shells are a no-go. For this dish beef stuffed shells with ricotta its very important that you take the time and the patience to do it.

Looking for make-ahead options? Assemble the shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours . Bake just before serving. It works a treat. Now that sounds very good right?

What You Need For the Recipe:

• 1 (12-ounce/340g) box jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (454g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 15 ounces (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (28-ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (227g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Ready to get cooking? I promise you, this recipe is a winner. And with this ricotta stuffed pasta , you are going to have something for a solid dinner.

Recipe Notes for the Best Stuffed Shells Recipe

Okay, so you’re about to tackle these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells . Don’t sweat it! This jumbo stuffed shells recipe is easier than you think.

Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it. Let's dive into some notes I've gathered from my own kitchen adventures.

Serving It Up Right!

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Honestly? Just pile them high! But if you’re feeling fancy, arrange the Ricotta Shells Stuffed in a spiral pattern on a plate, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle with fresh basil.

Bam! Insta worthy.

Complementary Sides or Beverages: Garlic bread is a must. You gotta mop up that sauce. A simple Caesar salad cuts through the richness.

As for drinks? I love a good Chianti with this Italian Stuffed Shells recipe. Makes it feel like a proper Sunday dinner, doesn't it?

Storing Your Stuffed Shells With Meat Sauce

Refrigeration Guidelines: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but hey!), pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge.

They'll keep for up to 3 days. This easy stuffed shells dinner is even better the next day, in my humble opinion!

Freezing Options (if applicable): You can definitely freeze these bad boys! Assemble the shells, but don’t bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

They’ll last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

If they're already baked, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven is always best.

Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Variations and Swaps

Dietary Adaptations: Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meat with cooked spinach and mushrooms. You won't even miss the beef!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, toss some fresh, chopped tomatoes into the sauce. In the fall, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the ricotta filling for a cozy, seasonal vibe.

Nutrition Basics for your Beef Stuffed Shells With Ricotta

Okay, let's keep it real. This isn't health food. It's comfort food pasta recipes ! But, it does pack a protein punch thanks to the beef and ricotta.

And those tomatoes? Hello, antioxidants!

Bottom line? This Baked Stuffed Shells recipe is about enjoyment. Every single bite.

So, go on, give it a go! Don’t be scared to experiment. Remember, cooking is about having fun and making something delicious.

You got this! And before I forget you can reference this recipe and others from Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells and tomato sauce in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the mozzarella just before baking. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Think of it as your own personal ready meal, but ten times better!

My ricotta filling seems a bit watery what did I do wrong?

The most common culprit is excess moisture in the ricotta cheese. Before using it, drain the ricotta in a cheesecloth lined sieve for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the fridge.

This will remove excess water and prevent a soggy filling, ensuring your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are pure perfection.

Can I freeze these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells for later? My freezer's my best friend!

Yes, you can! Assemble the shells in a freezer safe dish, but hold off on the mozzarella topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the mozzarella, and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed to heat through.

It’s like having a gourmet ready meal on standby!

I'm not a huge fan of beef. What other meat can I use for the filling?

No worries, mate! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for the beef. You could even use Italian sausage, just make sure to remove it from its casing and brown it well. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, you could use lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat free alternative!

I'm watching my waistline; can I make this recipe healthier?

Of course! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, part skim ricotta, and reduce the amount of mozzarella. You can also sneak in some finely chopped veggies like spinach or zucchini into the ricotta filling. Opt for a whole wheat pasta to up the fiber content.

It's all about making small changes without sacrificing flavor!

What kind of sauce works best for these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells?

A classic tomato sauce is the perfect pairing, but you can definitely get creative! A robust marinara sauce or even a simple tomato sauce with herbs and garlic works wonders. For a richer flavour, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. The tomato sauce really brings the dish together!