Stuffed pasta shells are the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug—and these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling do exactly that. This hearty, crowd-pleasing recipe combines rich ground beef, smooth ricotta, and a savory tomato sauce baked to bubbling perfection under a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s everything you want from a comforting baked pasta dish, with bold flavor and incredible texture in every bite.
Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this recipe brings classic Italian-American flavors straight to your kitchen with ease. Even better? It’s freezer-friendly, great for leftovers, and totally customizable depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, then ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, and parmesan. Fold in the cooked beef mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with the beef-ricotta mixture and place seam-side up in the dish.
Step 5: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil.
Notes
You can swap the beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist. Want extra flavor? Mix a bit of pesto into the ricotta or top with red pepper flakes before baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen in individual portions.
Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Conclusion
These Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta are the definition of comfort food. Every bite offers a delicious balance of savory meat, smooth cheese, and rich tomato flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing a few portions for later, this dish delivers in both flavor and function. It’s classic, cozy, and guaranteed to become a staple on your family dinner table.