Of course! Here’s a big, warm, share-worthy recipe post with all the sections you asked for — perfect for “Recipe in the comments” style posts 👇🍝
(I’ve also included a clear call-to-action so people know how to keep getting your recipes ❤️)
🍝 Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling
Introduction
If you love cozy, satisfying meals that bring everyone to the table, these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are about to become a favorite. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with seasoned beef and creamy ricotta, then baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and irresistible.
This dish feels fancy enough for guests, yet comforting enough for a quiet family dinner. Every bite is hearty, cheesy, and full of classic Italian-inspired flavor.
A Little History
Stuffed pasta dishes date back centuries in Italian cuisine, where cooks used fillings to stretch ingredients and create hearty meals. From cannelloni to manicotti, the idea of filling pasta shells became a beloved tradition. Jumbo shells eventually gained popularity because they’re easy to fill and perfect for holding rich, flavorful fillings like beef and ricotta.
Formation of the Recipe
This recipe was built around balance and comfort:
- Savory, well-seasoned beef for heartiness
- Ricotta for creamy richness
- Marinara for acidity and depth
- Pasta shells to hold it all together
The result is a baked dish that’s structured, flavorful, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Methods (Cooking Approach)
This dish uses a boil-fill-bake method, allowing the shells to cook just enough to hold their shape, while baking melds the flavors together into a cohesive, cheesy casserole.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine cooked beef, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Stuff each shell generously with the beef-ricotta mixture and place in the dish.
Spoon remaining marinara over shells and sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
Stuffed-Shell Lovers’ Methods (Pro Tips)
❤️ Don’t overcook the shells — they’ll finish in the oven
❤️ Add spinach or mushrooms for extra depth
❤️ Use part-skim ricotta for lighter filling
❤️ Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving for cleaner portions
Why Lovers of Comfort Food Adore This Recipe
🧀 Creamy, cheesy filling
🥩 Hearty beef flavor
🍝 Perfectly baked pasta
🏡 Feels like a home-cooked classic
This is the kind of dish that gets requested again and again.
Conclusion
Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are everything comfort food should be: warm, filling, flavorful, and made to be shared. Whether for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.
👉 If you want to keep getting my recipes, please like, share, or follow — it truly means so much. Thank you! ❤️
Full recipe in the comments 👇🍝
