Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling: A Hearty Italian-Inspired Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting, satisfying dish that feels special without being complicated. It combines tender pasta shells, a savory beef filling, and a rich, creamy ricotta mixture, all baked together in a flavorful sauce. I love this recipe because it is filling, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing. The contrast between the hearty beef and the smooth ricotta creates a balanced texture that feels indulgent but familiar. When I first tested this dish, I made it ahead of time and baked it later, and the flavors only improved. It is ideal for busy evenings, casual gatherings, or make-ahead meals when you want something reliable and comforting that everyone will enjoy.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Jumbo pasta shells are perfect for holding generous amounts of filling while staying tender after baking.

Ground beef provides richness and hearty flavor, making the dish satisfying and filling.

Olive oil helps sauté the beef and aromatics evenly.

Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the filling.

Garlic cloves enhance the savory notes of the beef mixture.

Marinara sauce brings acidity and balance, tying all the components together.

Ricotta cheese forms the creamy base of the filling and keeps the shells moist.

Mozzarella cheese adds stretch and melt, creating a classic baked pasta texture.

Parmesan cheese contributes saltiness and nutty flavor to both the filling and topping.

Egg helps bind the ricotta filling for structure.

Italian seasoning adds herbal warmth and classic flavor.

Salt sharpens and balances the overall taste.

Black pepper adds subtle heat and seasoning depth.

Fresh parsley finishes the dish with freshness and color.

Directions

Begin by cooking the jumbo shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are easier to handle. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in a portion of the marinara sauce and remove from heat.

In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each shell with a spoonful of ricotta mixture, then a spoonful of the beef mixture, and arrange them in the dish. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil near the end to allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown. Let rest briefly before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves six people. Preparation takes about twenty-five minutes, and baking time is approximately thirty-five minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a small amount of sauce if needed to prevent drying.

Variations and Customizations

Beef-Stuffed Shells are easy to customize to suit different tastes. For a richer filling, you can mix a small amount of cream cheese into the ricotta, which makes the texture even smoother. If you prefer a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.

You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. I tested this recipe with sausage once, and it added a bold, savory kick that worked beautifully. For added vegetables, finely chopped spinach or zucchini can be mixed into the ricotta filling without altering the overall texture.

If you enjoy spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. To make this dish ahead of time, assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein from the beef and cheese and provides calcium from the dairy components. While rich, portion control and balanced sides such as vegetables or salad can help create a well-rounded meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Cook shells just until al dente
Overcooked shells may tear during filling.

Cool filling slightly
Warm filling is easier to handle and spreads evenly.

Do not overfill shells
Balanced filling ensures even baking.

Rest before serving
Allowing the dish to rest helps it hold its shape.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled a day in advance and baked later.

What sauce works best?

A classic marinara or meat sauce works well.

Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Yes, freeze before baking for best results.

How do I prevent shells from sticking?

Lightly coat them with oil after draining.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, blended cottage cheese is a good substitute.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it is mild and very family-friendly.

Can I add vegetables?

Spinach or finely chopped zucchini work well.

What cheese melts best on top?

Mozzarella provides the best melt and stretch.

How do I keep the dish from drying out?

Cover with foil during most of the baking time.

What should I serve with this?

A green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, it is a dependable recipe that brings warmth and familiarity to the table while still feeling special.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!