Looking for a crowd-pleasing, cozy dinner? These beef-stuffed jumbo pasta shells are comfort food at its best! Picture tender pasta shells loaded with creamy ricotta, seasoned beef, and plenty of melty cheese, baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or impressing dinner guests, this dish will disappear fast.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy, beefy goodness:

For the Shells:

12 jumbo pasta shells (plus a few extras in case of breakage)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade!)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Ricotta Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg (helps bind the filling)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (adds a fragrant herb flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, gently add your jumbo pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.

Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside on a clean dish towel or parchment paper to cool.

Tip: Boil a few extra shells in case some tear during cooking.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain off any excess fat.

Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the beef. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Mix the Ricotta Filling

While the beef cools, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your stuffed shells!

4. Fill the Shells

Now for the fun part! Using a spoon (or your hands if you’re feeling bold), carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. You want them generously stuffed but not overflowing.

Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in a greased baking dish, open side up.

5. Add the Beef and Cheese

Spoon the beef and marinara mixture over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell gets a hearty coating. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep everything moist while it bakes. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tip: For an extra-crispy topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait!). Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread to complete the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together all the best things about Italian comfort food tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy, cheesy filling. It’s also versatile: you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage, or add a handful of spinach to the ricotta filling for a veggie boost.

Enjoy your homemade Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling! These are sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to grab a plate.