Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With tender pasta shells filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

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 cups tomato basil sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare Filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and oregano, cooking until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, the beaten egg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stuff and Assemble: Spread 1 cup of the tomato basil sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining 1 cup of tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells.
6. Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish the baked shells with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. The prep time is about 30 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 35 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour.

Variations

• Ground Turkey: For a lighter variation, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Adjust seasoning as needed to complement the milder flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian dish.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as adding feta for a tangy flavor or using a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pasta shells?
   Yes, homemade pasta shells can be used, but ensure they are cooked properly for stuffing.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
4. What if I don’t have Pecorino Romano cheese?
   You can substitute with grated Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor.
5. Can I freeze stuffed shells?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked shells. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
6. What side dishes pair well with this?
   A simple green salad or garlic bread makes a great side dish.
7. Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
   Covering the dish helps prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and ensures even cooking.
8. How do I know when the shells are done?
   They are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
9. Can I use a different type of sauce?
   Absolutely! Alfredo or pesto sauce can also be delicious alternatives.
10. How should I store leftovers?
    Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any meal. With its creamy filling and flavorful sauce, it’s a fantastic option for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy this delicious recipe that combines classic Italian flavors in a delightful way!

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