Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta: A Homely Delight
Ready to whet your palate with a hearty and fulfilling dish? Try the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta! This comfort food, brimming with rich flavors of beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, is perfect for any family gathering or special occasion.
🔹 Preparation Time: 20 minutes
🔹 Cooking Time: 40 minutes
🔹 Total Time: 1 hour
🔹 Servings: Serves 6
Why Make This Recipe
Rolling out pasta shells stuffed with a succulent mixture of ricotta and beef, and then baking them to perfection is an exercise in culinary therapy. Perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday get-togethers, this dish is sure to win hearts.
How to Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Ingredients :
– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Directions :
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and set them aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
4. Combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl to make the Ricotta Filling.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each shell with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and beef. Align the stuffed shells on the dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on it. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Serve this indulgent pasta dish in a shallow bowl or plate. Garnish it with fresh basil or parsley. Crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side complements the pasta perfectly.
How to Store Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
You can store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To enjoy it later, reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly heated.
Tips to Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
It’s best to use a chunky marinara sauce for a rich texture. For an added zip, consider using flavored ricotta cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute ricotta with cottage cheese?
Yes, you can. But remember, the taste and texture will differ slightly.
2. What can I serve with this pasta dish?
You can serve with a side of garlic bread or fresh salad.
3. How can I prevent my pasta from getting soggy?
Make sure you cook the pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Variations
For a vegetarian variety, swap the beef with veggies such as spinach or zucchini. You can also use chicken or even tofu for different takes on this dish.