Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this ricotta beef stuffed shells recipe, which boasts a medley of classic ingredients like pasta shells, ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. The simplicity of using jumbo pasta shells and straightforward cooking process make this dish a repeat favorite. The harmonious blend of tender meat, al dente pasta, and melted cheese creates an irresistible culinary experience. This is a true standout recipe for stuffed shells that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, you’ll be eager to whip up this mouthwatering dish again. To complement this comforting pasta delight, try pairing it with other Italian-inspired dishes like baked cream cheese spaghetti, Italian sausage tortellini soup, or Italian penne rosa pasta. For a lighter side option, maple roasted rainbow carrots offer a delightful contrast. Simply say ‘buon appetito’ and enjoy the feast!
Why You’ll Love Them
This classic meat-stuffed shells recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for those who don’t frequent the kitchen. With only a few basic seasonings and ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering comfort food dish that combines the best of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese.
How to Make Stuffed Shells with Meat
To bring your dish to life, follow these step-by-step instructions. Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package guidelines until they reach al dente perfection. Next, cook the beef to your desired level of doneness, then drain any excess grease. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a blend of provolone and mozzarella, adding in some garlic and onion powder for added flavor. Then, mix in the cooked beef, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Meanwhile, prepare your baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray and spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, placing them in the prepared baking dish as you go. Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, followed by the remaining cheese. Finally, bake for half an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
While this stuffed shells recipe provides a solid foundation, feel free to get creative and make it your own. Consider substituting the Italian sausage or ground beef with alternative meats or even plant-based options. Adding some wilted spinach to the pasta shell filling would be a tasty addition.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up in terms of the marinara sauce, either. Try swapping it out for a mushroom cream sauce or Alfredo sauce instead. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as an Italian cheese blend or even cottage cheese, if you prefer.
How to Serve Stuffed Pasta Shells
Savor the rich flavors of jumbo pasta shells filled to the brim with creamy ricotta cheese and savory ground beef. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing this comforting dish with a refreshing green goddess salad or a smoky asparagus side.
How to Store Meat Stuffed Shells
When it comes to storing leftover stuffed shells, there are a couple of options to consider. For short-term storage, simply place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. The texture and quality of the shells should remain intact during this time.For longer-term preservation, freezing is also a viable option. Simply transfer the stuffed shells to an airtight container or freezer bag, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Keep in mind that when you thaw the frozen shells, they may have a slightly softer texture than when they were freshly cooked. Nonetheless, they should still be safe to eat and retain much of their original flavor.
Stuffed Shells FAQs
While this recipe is specifically designed with jumbo pasta shells in mind, it’s perfectly adaptable to other types of pasta. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes – simply mix them together with the beef, marinara, and cheese mixture, rather than stuffing individual shells. If you’re looking for a meat substitute or want to create a vegetarian option, consider swapping out the ground beef for ground pork, turkey, or even mushrooms and your favorite vegetables.
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
Bella Bucchiotti shares a mouth-watering recipe for baked ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells that combines the richness of ground beef with four distinct types of cheese. This hearty dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a perfect meal option for the whole family. With only 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 20 minutes in the oven, you can have this satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes. This recipe serves eight people, so gather your loved ones around the dinner table and get ready to indulge.
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to a comfortable 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will allow you to achieve the perfect al dente texture for your shells, which will in turn help them hold their shape when stuffed. Once cooked, the shells will finish cooking in the oven. In a medium-sized pan, cook the ground beef until browned and then drain any excess grease. Set it aside for later use.Next, combine equal parts mozzarella and provolone cheese or opt for a convenient pre-packaged shredded cheese blend. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, ½ cup of the cheese mixture, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, an egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.Add the cooled ground beef to the ricotta mixture and combine until fully incorporated.To prepare your baking dish, spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the pan.Now it’s time to assemble the shells. Take a cooked shell and fill the inside with approximately ⅛ cup of the beef-Ricotta mixture using a large spoon. Repeat this process, placing each stuffed shell next to the others in the baking dish, until all the shells are filled.Finish by pouring the remaining sauce around the shells and topping them off with any remaining shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes before removing the foil and letting the cheese melt and brown for an additional 10 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.