Food 09/02/2026 18:49

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta

Suggested Meal Time

Lunch or dinner (comfort food, family-style dish)

Estimated Calories

Approximately 520–600 calories per serving (depending on portion size and cheese used)

Ingredients
Pasta & Filling

20–24 jumbo pasta shells

300 g ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Mixture

1½ cups ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce

½ cup heavy cream

Optional Topping

Extra mozzarella or Parmesan

Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and chopped herbs.
Fold in the cooked beef until evenly combined.

Prepare the Sauce
Stir the heavy cream into the marinara sauce until smooth.

Assemble the Dish
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Stuff each shell generously with the ricotta-beef mixture and arrange in the dish.
Pour remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.

Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Who This Dish Is Best For

Fans of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes

Family dinners or make-ahead meals

Comfort food lovers

Energy-Saving Tips

Cook beef while pasta boils to save time

Use pre-made marinara sauce

Bake once and portion for leftovers

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta