Easy Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta

Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something hearty and indulgent that wraps you in a blanket of comfort—enter the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, a family favorite that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status. This recipe, crafted by Chef Lalybeth, combines seasoned ground beef with an extra creamy ricotta filling that makes every bite irresistibly rich and satisfying. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta dish solves the eternal dilemma of creating a meal that’s both effortless and impressive, ready in under an hour. Drawing from traditional Italian roots with a modern twist, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for cozy gatherings or solo indulgences.

The allure of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta lies in its symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Picture tender pasta shells, perfectly al dente, stuffed with a velvety mixture of creamy ricotta and savory ground beef, all baked to golden perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella. The aromas wafting from your oven—garlic, oregano, and rich cheese—will have your kitchen feeling like an Italian trattoria. Each forkful delivers a delightful contrast: the smooth, extra creamy filling contrasts with the slight crunch of the baked cheese topping, while the hearty beef adds a satisfying depth that keeps you coming back for more. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms the soul.

What sets this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta recipe apart on cookinwithlalyta.com is the expertise of Chef Lalybeth, whose passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures a foolproof result every time. This version incorporates a Chef’s Secret: an extra creamy ricotta technique that infuses the filling with unparalleled silkiness, making it superior to ordinary stuffed pastas. You’ll learn insider tips, from ingredient swaps to step-by-step guidance, that build your confidence in the kitchen. By the end, you’ll have mastered not just a recipe, but a go-to method for creating restaurant-quality meals at home—guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Why This Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret behind this Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta lies in the extra creamy ricotta filling, achieved by fully incorporating the egg and cheeses for a luxurious, silky texture that sets it apart from standard versions. This technique ensures the filling doesn’t dry out during baking, creating a mouthwatering contrast with the seasoned ground beef. By mixing the ricotta with fresh garlic and oregano, we elevate the flavor profile, making every bite burst with authentic Italian essence.

Unbeatable Texture: The science here is simple yet effective—the high moisture content in fresh ricotta, combined with the egg, creates an emulsion that locks in creaminess during the 375°F baking process. This prevents the filling from becoming grainy, resulting in a perfectly tender, cohesive center that melts in your mouth, while the pasta shells maintain their structure for an ideal bite.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real home kitchens to guarantee success, even for beginners. With precise measurements and straightforward steps, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like overcooking the beef or under-seasoning, delivering consistent, delicious results that make you look like a pro.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Ground Beef (1 pound): This is the hearty base of your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, providing savory depth and protein that makes the dish satisfying. Opt for 80/20 lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture; too lean, and it might dry out. Quality matters because fresh, high-quality beef ensures tenderness and reduces excess fat, enhancing the overall texture. A tested substitution is ground turkey for a lighter option, but add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain juiciness.

Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): The star of the extra creamy filling in Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, ricotta adds a light, airy creaminess that binds everything together. Choose whole-milk ricotta for maximum richness and smoothness; low-fat versions can make the mixture watery. Its role is to create that signature velvety texture, absorbing flavors from garlic and herbs. For substitutions, try cottage cheese strained to remove excess liquid, or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist, but adjust salt to prevent overpowering the dish.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): This ingredient brings a nutty, salty punch to the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, enhancing the cheese blend and aiding in browning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melt and flavor depth—pre-grated often contains additives that affect texture. It helps create a cohesive filling that doesn’t separate during baking. A great substitute is Pecorino Romano for a sharper edge, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that mimics the umami.

Egg (1): Acting as a binder in the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, the egg ensures the filling holds its shape without becoming runny. Fresh, large eggs provide the best structure and richness. Quality eggs contribute to a smoother, more stable mixture. Substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version, letting it gel for 5 minutes before use.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta with aromatic warmth and depth, elevating the beef and cheese flavors. Fresh cloves are essential for potent, fresh taste—avoid jarred for better authenticity. It prevents the filling from tasting flat. Substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh isn’t available, but fresh will always yield the most vibrant results.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): This herb adds an earthy, Italian flair to the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, complementing the beef and cheeses. Use high-quality, dried oregano for its concentrated flavor. It balances the richness of the dairy. Fresh oregano can be substituted (use 1 tablespoon, chopped), but dried is more convenient and potent in this context.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): These seasonings enhance the overall taste of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, drawing out flavors without overwhelming. Use fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper for precision. They ensure the filling isn’t bland. For low-sodium diets, reduce salt and use herbs like basil for added zest.

Pasta Shells (12 large, cooked and drained): The vessel for your extra creamy filling, these shells provide structure and absorb flavors beautifully. Choose high-quality, durable pasta to hold stuffing without tearing. They make the dish easy to eat and present. Gluten-free shells work as a substitute for those with dietary needs.

Marinara Sauce (2 cups): This forms the flavorful base of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, adding tang and moisture. Homemade or premium jarred sauce ensures no artificial flavors detract from the dish. It keeps the pasta from drying out. Try a simple tomato sauce with fresh basil as a substitute for a fresher taste.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Topping off the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, mozzarella melts into a golden, bubbly layer. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. It creates that irresistible cheesy crust. Substitute with provolone for a smokier flavor or dairy-free cheese for vegans.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect melt on the cheese topping. Make sure your oven is fully heated before proceeding to avoid undercooking.

Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature, as home ovens can vary, ensuring your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta bakes uniformly.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to break up any large chunks, then drain excess fat using a colander to keep the mixture lean and flavorful.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning; cook in batches if needed to maintain that savory crust on the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated for that extra creamy texture.

Pro Tip: Let the ricotta sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing to make it easier to blend, enhancing the silkiness of your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta filling.

Step 4: Combine Beef with Cheese Mixture

Stir the cooked ground beef into the cheese mixture until everything is well combined. This creates a robust, flavorful filling that’s packed with savory notes and creaminess.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding the beef while it’s still hot can cause the egg to cook prematurely; let it cool for a minute or two for a smooth blend.

Step 5: Stuff the Pasta Shells

Take your 12 cooked and drained large pasta shells and stuff each one generously with the beef and cheese mixture, using a spoon for even distribution. Aim for about 2 tablespoons per shell to ensure they’re full but not overflowing.

Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta shells by 1-2 minutes so they don’t become mushy when baked, preserving the texture in your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful base that prevents the shells from sticking and adds moisture.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Using too little sauce can dry out the dish; always cover the bottom fully for optimal results.

Step 7: Arrange and Top the Shells

Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a gooey, golden finish.

Pro Tip: Distribute the cheese evenly to ensure every bite of Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta has that irresistible melted topping.

Step 8: Bake the Dish

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Opening the oven door too often can drop the temperature; check only at the 25-minute mark.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to plate.

Pro Tip: Resting the Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta helps the filling set, making it less likely to spill out when served.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta, plate it on warm dishes to keep the cheese gooey. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor, enhancing the extra creamy filling. Serve as a standalone main course, but for a complete meal, pair it with a crisp Caesar salad to cut through the richness or garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini add a healthy crunch, balancing the hearty pasta.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the beef and cheese filling up to 3 days in advance by cooking the beef, mixing it with the ricotta blend, and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Stuff the pasta shells just before baking to maintain texture, or assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, adding the cheese topping right before baking.

Storing Leftovers: Store any remaining Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, ensuring they’re cooled completely first to avoid condensation.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original texture and flavor, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. For microwave reheating, add a splash of water or sauce and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring gently for even warmth without making the pasta soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

A hearty pasta dish filled with creamy ricotta and seasoned ground beef, perfect for a comforting dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 large pasta shells, cooked and drained
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the cooked ground beef until well combined.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
6. Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with spinach and mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 30g