By This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
20 large pasta shells
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 large egg, beaten
2 ½ cups tomato basil sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water until they reach an al dente texture. Drain them well and set them aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef
Add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant
Remove from heat and allow it to cool a bit
In a bowl, combine the cooled beef mixture with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano, the beaten egg, salt, and pepper
Mix until well blended.
Stuff and Assemble: Spread 1 cup of the tomato basil sauce on the bottom of a baking dish
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, arranging them snugly in the dish
Pour the remaining tomato basil sauce evenly over the shells
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
