If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, look no further.
These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are a total crowd-pleaser.
The smell of baking cheese will fill your entire home.
It’s the perfect meal for a cold winter night.
You get all the Italian flavors without the stress.
Why You’ll Make This Again
This dish is the ultimate comfort food for chilly winter evenings.
It is incredibly satisfying and keeps everyone full.
Your family will love the gooey cheese and savory beef.
It is a reliable recipe for any family-friendly dinner.
This meal is also very budget-friendly for large groups.
You can even prep it ahead of time.
It makes a hearty meal every single time.
How These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells Come Together
You just boil the pasta and brown the beef.
The filling mixes up in one bowl quite easily.
Stuffing the shells is actually quite relaxing to do.
Then, the oven does all the hard work for you.
It is a straightforward baking process for any beginner.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients from your pantry and fridge.
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook shells in salted boiling water. Follow package directions for al dente. Subtract two minutes from the time. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Brown ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat. Cook until meat is done. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic to the beef. Cook for one minute until fragrant. Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine ricotta, egg, and one cup of mozzarella. Add parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
- Spread one cup of marinara sauce into a baking dish. Use a 9×13 inch dish.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange them in the baking dish.
- Top the shells with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Wait until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How To Serve It
Serve these shells piping hot from the oven.
They look beautiful in a large baking dish.
Pair them with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette.
A side of garlic bread is always a hit.
A light red wine also pairs perfectly with this.
This is great for casual hosting or Sunday dinner.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any extras in an airtight container.
They stay fresh in the fridge for three days.
You can also freeze the unbaked dish for later.
Just thaw it overnight before you bake it.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a minute.
It tastes great for lunch the next day.
Use freezer bags for smaller portions to save space.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells during the initial boil.
- Use a small spoon to fill the shells quickly.
- Make sure to drain the beef well before mixing.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving.
- Prepare this dish ahead of time for easy holiday hosting.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for more spice.
- Add fresh spinach to the ricotta mixture for greens.
- Use a gluten-free pasta brand to accommodate diets.
- Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a bold twist.
- Mix in some mushrooms for an earthy seasonal flavor.
Quick Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day early. Keep it covered in the fridge until you bake. It makes weeknight entertaining much easier.
Can I use cottage cheese instead?
You can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Ricotta provides a much creamier and smoother texture. Both options will taste delicious with the beef.
What kind of beef is best?
Lean ground beef works best for this recipe. It prevents the dish from becoming too greasy. You can also try ground turkey for a lighter version.
I hope you enjoy this cheesy goodness. It’s a staple in my kitchen for a reason. Let me know how it turns out for you!
— Ethan
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente, minus 2 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until meat is cooked through; drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the cooked beef mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
- Top the shells with the remaining marinara sauce and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
