Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta Recipe

When you’re craving a hearty Italian classic but want to stay on track with your Weight Watchers goals, these Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are the perfect solution. With tender pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of lean beef, creamy ricotta, and a flavorful marinara sauce, this dish is satisfying, comforting, and guilt-free.

Ingredients

For the Shells:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1/2 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (choose a low-sugar, no-salt-added variety)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta-beef mixture, using about 2 tablespoons of filling per shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
4. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 320-340
• WW Points: 7-8 points (depending on specific ingredients)
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 32g
• Protein: 22g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food: All the flavor of traditional stuffed shells, lightened up for a healthier option.
2. Protein-Packed: Lean ground beef and ricotta cheese make this dish satisfying and nutritious.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for leftovers or meal prep.
4. Family-Friendly: A dish the whole family will love, even those not following Weight Watchers!

Pro Tips

• Add Veggies: Mix some finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the filling for extra nutrients and volume.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta shells for hollowed-out bell peppers or zucchini boats for a low-carb alternative.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Assemble the dish and freeze it (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

These Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells are a lighter, healthier take on a classic Italian favorite. Packed with protein, flavor, and cheesy goodness, they’re a satisfying and wholesome dinner option for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.