stuffed shells recipe with ricotta

Stuffed Shells Recipe

These Baked Stuffed Shells are filled with three types of cheese, topped with a hearty meat sauce, and baked to golden perfection. This classic Italian dish is perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare. With under an hour of prep and cook time, these stuffed pasta shells will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Explore similar recipes like Stuffed Shells Recipe for any occasion.

stuffed shells recipe with meat
stuffed shells recipe with meat

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

  • Undercook the pasta shells by 1-2 minutes when boiling. They will finish cooking in the oven without breaking.
  • Reserve broken shells for other dishes. Only whole shells keep the cheesy filling intact.
  • Try whole wheat pasta for extra fiber without compromising taste.

Ingredients

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce (or homemade meat sauce)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  5. Pour in pasta sauce and simmer on low until ready to use.
  6. In a large bowl, beat the egg and mix with ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
  7. Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
  8. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the dish.
  9. Pour remaining meat sauce over the shells and cover with foil.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella, and bake 5–10 minutes more until cheese is melted.

Optional Variations

  • Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in a 1:1 ratio for lower calories and more protein. Blend for smoother texture.
  • Add spinach or other vegetables to the cheese mixture for a veggie boost.
  • Try chicken or turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter protein option.
stuffed shells recipe spinach
stuffed shells recipe spinach

Nutrition

  • Calories: 556 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1018 mg