Prepare to embark on a flavorful culinary journey with our mouthwatering recipe for Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells. This beloved Italian-American dish combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, the savory goodness of ground beef, and the comforting warmth of baked pasta. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, these jumbo pasta shells are sure to delight your taste buds and leave your guests raving.
Ingredients for Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells
To create this delectable dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together seamlessly. The star of the show is the filling, which features a blend of ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and a variety of aromatic seasonings. Complementing this is the al dente pasta shells, a flavorful marinara sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Let’s take a closer look at the lineup:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large, hollow shells provide the perfect vessel for the rich and savory filling.
- Ground Beef: The beefy component adds heartiness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Ricotta Cheese: This soft, creamy cheese lends a luxurious texture and tangy undertone to the filling.
- Egg: Helping to bind the filling ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that infuses the filling with classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted over the top, it creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that complements the ricotta and beef filling.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated on top, it adds a savory, nutty finish to the dish.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as a blend of ricotta and cottage cheese, or swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a tasty variation.
Cooking Equipment and Preparation
To bring this delectable dish to life, you’ll need a few essential pieces of cooking equipment. Start by gathering a large pot for boiling the pasta shells, a skillet for browning the ground beef, and a baking dish for assembling and baking the stuffed shells.
Before you begin cooking, take a moment to prepare your workstation. Measure out all the ingredients, chop any necessary vegetables, and have your cooking utensils within reach. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process, allowing you to focus on assembling the perfect Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Jumbo Pasta Shells
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente. Drain the cooked shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, making them easier to handle when stuffing.
Cooking the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside.
Mixing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they’re well incorporated, creating a flavorful filling.
Stuffing the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta beef mixture, placing them in the prepared baking dish as you go.
Assembling the Dish
Once all the shells are stuffed, top them with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top.
Baking and Serving
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed shells for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. The aroma of the baked pasta, melted cheese, and savory filling will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in.
Pair these delightful stuffed shells with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or a light, crisp white wine for a complete and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this beloved dish, and don’t be surprised if your family and friends request it again and again.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the dish to your liking:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a blend of roasted vegetables for a meatless version.
- Different Protein: Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a combination of beef and sausage for a unique flavor profile.
- Veggie-Packed Filling: Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, or chopped spinach into the ricotta beef mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or opt for a rice-based shell to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What ingredients do I need to make Ricotta beef stuffed shells?
To make Ricotta beef stuffed shells, you will need large pasta shells, ricotta cheese, ground beef, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Optional ingredients can include fresh basil or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
2. How do I cook the pasta shells for stuffed shells?
To cook the pasta shells, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will make them easier to handle when stuffing.
3. Can I make Ricotta beef stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Ricotta beef stuffed shells ahead of time. You can assemble the stuffed shells and place them in a baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled shells and bake them directly from frozen, adding a bit of extra baking time.
4. What should I serve with Ricotta beef stuffed shells?
Ricotta beef stuffed shells pair well with a variety of sides. Popular options include garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them with additional marinara sauce or a light drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for added flavor.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Creamy Butterscotch Cheesecake
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak
- Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Conclusion
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a beloved Italian-American classic that never fails to impress. With their creamy, cheesy filling and the comforting warmth of baked pasta, these jumbo shells are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells.
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Delicious Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Prepare to embark on a flavorful culinary journey with our mouthwatering Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells. This beloved Italian-American dish combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, the savory goodness of ground beef, and the comforting warmth of baked pasta. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, these jumbo pasta shells are sure to delight your taste buds and leave your guests raving.
Ingredients
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 12-16 shells
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces
- Egg: 1 large
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Jumbo Pasta Shells
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente. Drain the cooked shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside.
Step 3: Mixing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 4: Stuffing the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta beef mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Assembling the Dish
Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Baking and Serving
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg