Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Gratin: A Comforting Italian Classic

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then this Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Gratin is a must-try recipe. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled in a rich tomato basil sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you’re craving something truly satisfying.

Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the best of pasta and casserole cooking. Each shell is a little package of deliciousness, bursting with flavor and coated in a luscious sauce. The combination of beef and ricotta gives the filling a wonderful balance of richness and creaminess, while the melted mozzarella on top adds that irresistible cheesy finish.

Whether you’re new to stuffed shells or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and delivers a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The beef and ricotta filling, combined with a robust tomato basil sauce, creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Perfectly Balanced: The creamy ricotta balances the savory beef, while the mozzarella and Pecorino Romano add layers of cheesy goodness.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for a family dinner.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Shells:

20 Large Pasta Shells: These are the perfect vessel for holding the delicious filling.
1 lb Lean Ground Beef: Provides the savory base for the filling.

1 cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling.
1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella: Divided between the filling and the topping, it gives the dish that cheesy goodness.
½ cup Grated Pecorino Romano: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the filling.

1 Large Egg, Beaten: Helps to bind the filling together.
1 tsp Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy flavor to the beef.
2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic depth.
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors.

For the Sauce:

2 ½ cups Tomato Basil Sauce: A rich, flavorful sauce that complements the stuffed shells perfectly.

For Garnish:

Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake the shells to perfection.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them until they’re al dente, which usually takes about 9-10 minutes. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle when stuffing.

3. Prepare the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and dried oregano to the beef, cooking until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the beef to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef with the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, the beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, fill each one with the beef and ricotta mixture. A spoon or small spatula works well for this.

5. Assemble the Dish

In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of the tomato basil sauce evenly over the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce.
Pour the remaining tomato basil sauce over the shells, ensuring they are all covered.

6. Bake the Stuffed Shells

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the shells.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. These shells are best enjoyed hot, with the cheese still gooey and the sauce bubbling.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Make sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them initially can cause them to become too soft and difficult to stuff.

2. Use Quality Cheese

The quality of your cheese can make a big difference in the final dish. Opt for good-quality mozzarella and Pecorino Romano for the best flavor.

3. Make Ahead

This dish can be prepared up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

4. Customize the Filling

Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or Italian sausage, for a different flavor profile.

5. Use Ground Turkey for a Lighter Option

For a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey. The dish will still be delicious and slightly lower in calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells?

Yes, these stuffed shells freeze very well. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Pecorino Romano are traditional, you can substitute with other cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

4. What should I serve with Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells?

These stuffed shells pair well with a simple green salad and garlic bread. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables or a side of roasted asparagus.

5. Can I use a different sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of sauce if you prefer. A homemade marinara, arrabbiata, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce would be delicious with these stuffed shells.

Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Gratin is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort every time. So, roll up your sleeves, stuff those shells, and enjoy a delicious homemade Italian feast!