These hearty Mini Meatball and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comforting Italian-American meal. Featuring oversized, tender shells stuffed with a creamy, garlic-infused ricotta blend and savory mini beef meatballs, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a balanced, satisfying texture in every bite, beautifully held together by a rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. It is simple to assemble and efficient to serve, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
12 oz jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
15 oz whole milk ricotta, drained
2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
24 oz marinara sauce
1 large egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo shells until they are al dente.
Drain the pasta shells thoroughly and lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Form the ground beef into small, marble-sized mini meatballs.
Sauté the mini meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then drain any excess fat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and garlic powder.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Stuff each cooked shell with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and tuck one or two mini meatballs inside each shell.
Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.
Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Ensure the ricotta is thoroughly drained of excess water to prevent the filling from becoming watery. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time to save on prep window time. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.