Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of ricotta cheese, seasoned ground beef, and Italian herbs, then smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella for the perfect baked dinner. Ideal for family meals or potlucks, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to make.
20–24 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook for another minute.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and the cooked beef mixture.
Spread ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill each shell with the ricotta-beef mixture and place in the baking dish.
Pour remaining sauce over the shells, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Make ahead tip: Fill the shells and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Great freezer meal – assemble, freeze, and bake when ready.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.