# Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Experience the exquisitely balanced flavors of creamy ricotta and savory beef enveloped in delicate pasta shells. This comforting dish is sure to bring a sense of warmth and joy to your dining table.
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
# Why Make This Recipe
This dish is a fantastic fusion of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy your palate. It’s perfect for those who love Italian cuisine and enjoy the thrill of cooking pasta from scratch. It also involves stuffing the pasta shells, which can be a fun and interactive activity for kids.
# How to Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
## Ingredients
– 24 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 egg
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
## Directions
1. **Cook the Shells:** First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells as per the instructions on the package until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Beef Mixture:** Next, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the finely chopped onion. Wait until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for a minute more. Let it cool slightly after removing from heat.
3. **Mix the Fillings:** In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and beef mixture. Stir until they are well mixed.
4. **Fill the Shells:** Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish (9×13-inch). Carefully stuff each shell with the cheese and beef mixture, and place them with the seam side up in the dish.
5. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle them with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an extra 10 minutes or until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.
6. *Garnish and Serve:** Lastly, let the dish cool for some time. Before serving, garnish it with fresh basil or parsley.
# How to Serve Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Serve this delicious and creamy stuffed shells pasta while it’s still warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. A glass of red wine and a side salad pair beautifully with this dish.
# How to Store Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
Keep any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container. They can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can reheat the shells in the oven or in a microwave.
# Tips to Make Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta
– Try to evenly distribute the cheese and beef mixture among the pasta shells.
– Be cautious not to overcook the pasta shells while boiling them. They should be cooked to al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven too.
– Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop for filling the shells to make the process easier.
# Variation
For an added twist, you can add chopped spinach or mushrooms in the filling. Both work well with this recipe and give an additional layer of flavor.
# FAQs
1. **Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?**
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or pork according to your preference.
2. **Can I use other cheeses apart from ricotta?**
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as substitutes for ricotta. However, ricotta cheese provides an authentic Italian flavor that is hard to replicate.
3. **How can I ensure that the stuffing does not come out of the shells while cooking?**
Just ensure that the shells’ opening faces upwards in the baking dish, this will help the stuffing to stay inside the shells while cooking.