***
why make this recipe
Easy & Cheesy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a delicious and filling dish that everyone will love. It combines tender jumbo pasta shells with a rich filling of ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with gooey mozzarella. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can also impress your guests at a dinner party. Plus, it’s simple to make and only requires a few ingredients!
how to make Easy & Cheesy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients :
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ground beef
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked ground beef with ricotta cheese.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
how to serve Easy & Cheesy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Serve the stuffed shells hot, right out of the oven. They go great with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a bit of color and extra flavor.
how to store Easy & Cheesy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze the stuffed shells for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.
tips to make Easy & Cheesy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- When cooking the pasta, don’t forget to salt the water. This helps the shells gain flavor.
- You can mix in some spinach or other veggies with the beef and ricotta for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking.
variation
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, using a different cheese blend, such as cheddar or feta, can add unique flavors to the dish.
FAQs
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. -
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You could use Alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer a creamier dish or a different flavor profile. -
Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, but keep in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time and the method of serving.
Easy & Cheesy Baked Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked ground beef with ricotta cheese.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm.