Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

If you’re craving cozy, cheesy comfort food with a protein kick, these Beef-Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta Filling are about to become your new obsession. The blend of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and bubbling marinara is the magic behind this dinner favorite, and you’d never guess it’s a Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin. Simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and versatility.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable stuffed shells isn’t in complicated steps–it’s in the balance of simple, top-notch ingredients. Each piece of this puzzle adds essential flavor, texture, or aroma, turning humble shells into a Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin-worthy classic.

• 12 large pasta shells: Look for gluten free shells to hold all that amazing filling together without compromising texture.
• 1 pound ground beef: Go for lean ground beef for a juicy, but not greasy, filling loaded with hearty flavor.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Ricotta brings the creamy, dreamy richness that softens and binds the filling perfectly.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is your melty, gooey topping and adds stretchy cheese pull in every bite!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan’s salty edge adds an irresistible, nutty finish to the filling.
• 1 egg: Helps everything hold together and adds extra richness to the cheese mixture.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to blanket the shells with savory tomato glory.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Just the right blend of herbs to amp up those Italian vibes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy—a pinch of each rounds out all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook those gluten free shells just until al dente—firm enough to keep their shape, but cooked through. Drain them with care, then set aside so they’re ready to cradle that delicious filling.

Step 2: Brown Your Beef

While the shells are cooling, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat so you get even bits throughout the filling. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat to keep things hearty but not heavy.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

Now for the real fun! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, creamy ricotta, 1/2 cup of that shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until you have a luscious, well-blended mixture—this is what gives each shell its satisfying bite.

Step 4: Stuff Each Shell

Grab each shell (they should be cool enough to handle now) and gently spoon in the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy with the filling—pack each shell until generously stuffed, and line them up as you go.

Step 5: Layer, Top, and Bake

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of your favorite baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce, then pour on the rest of the marinara to cover everything in saucy comfort. Sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, watching as the cheese bubbles and browns to golden perfection.

How to Serve Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped basil or parsley works wonders as a garnish, bringing bright color and a pop of freshness that takes your Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin to the next level. For a little extra zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of good olive oil adds pizzazz without overpowering those classic flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve these stuffed shells alongside a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed baby greens) and maybe a side of garlicky sautéed veggies. If you crave a little crunch, pair with gluten free garlic bread for a true Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, pile the stuffed shells onto a large platter and scatter extra fresh herbs for an inviting, family-style centerpiece. Want a fun twist? Serve them in individual ramekins or shallow bowls layered with extra sauce, making each Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin look restaurant-worthy right from your own kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and you’ve got a ready-made lunch or dinner for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin even more mouthwatering the next day.

Freezing

Stuffed shells are freezer-friendly superheroes! Arrange the cooled, unbaked shells snugly in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving that saucy goodness, bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until heated through and the cheese gets melty again. For single portions, a microwave works too—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Do I need to use gluten free pasta shells, or can I use regular?

For a true Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin experience, be sure to use certified gluten free pasta shells. Regular pasta will work for non-GF diets, but gluten free options keep it safe and equally tasty for everyone!

Can I swap out the ground beef for another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even seasoned lentils make delicious substitutes depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this is one of those dishes that’s perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and keep them in the fridge up to a day before baking your Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

How do I keep the pasta from tearing while stuffing?

Let your shells cool a bit and handle them gently. A small spoon or piping bag also helps make stuffing neat and easy, keeping your Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin looking picture-perfect.

What marinara sauce works best?

Choose your favorite brand or homemade recipe—just ensure it’s gluten free. A robust, richly seasoned marinara makes every bite of your Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin sing!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that combines nostalgia and comfort with a Gluten Free Print Recipe Pin twist, these beef-stuffed shells are truly a gift to your taste buds. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and share the joy (and those irresistible cheesy shells!) with the people you love. Happy cooking!

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