Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef – Cheesy, Meaty, and Irresistible

Hours

Introduction

Few pasta dishes hit that perfect balance of comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious quite like stuffed shells with ground beef. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich, savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, herbs, and melty mozzarella, then baked in a bubbling layer of marinara sauce until golden and irresistible.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, meal prep, or even a cozy night in, this dish is a crowd-pleasing classic. With just a bit of prep, you get an oven-ready meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

🍽️ Recipe Preparation Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet (for browning beef)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Spoon or piping bag (for filling shells)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shells:

  • 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt (for pasta water)

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

For Assembly:

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Easy Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and brown it until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and the cooled ground beef mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange them tightly in the baking dish.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

🔄 Variations

  • Three-Cheese Version: Add provolone or fontina for an extra cheesy filling.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper or spicy sausage with the beef.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use large zucchini ribbons instead of pasta shells.
  • White Sauce Alternative: Swap marinara with Alfredo or béchamel for a creamy twist.

🍳 Cooking Note

  • Be sure to slightly undercook the shells—they will finish cooking in the oven and maintain their shape better when stuffing.
  • The egg in the ricotta mixture helps bind the filling and adds creaminess.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread.
  • Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
  • A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot is a great match.
  • Finish with a simple dessert like tiramisu or cannoli.

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Use a piping bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off to neatly fill shells.
  • Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing to avoid tearing the pasta.
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for a future dinner.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or oregano elevate the final dish.
  • Use high-quality marinara or homemade for the best flavor.

⭐ Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

  • Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy filling.
  • Don’t overfill the shells—1 to 2 tablespoons is ideal.
  • Cover with foil first so the cheese doesn’t over-brown.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
  • Add extra sauce under and over the shells so they stay juicy and tender.

⏱️ Prep Time:

25 minutes

⏱️ Cooking Time:

35–40 minutes

⏱️ Total Time:

1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. 4 shells)

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the shells and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time if cold.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking. Cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Drain it well before using.

Q: What kind of ground meat can I use?
Beef is classic, but ground turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage work too.

Q: Can I add spinach?
Yes! Sauté fresh spinach or use thawed frozen spinach (squeeze out excess water) and mix into the filling.

✅ Conclusion

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is the kind of hearty, cheesy, classic comfort food that always delivers. It’s rich in flavor, satisfying in texture, and perfect for just about any occasion—from weeknight family dinners to casual gatherings.

With tender pasta shells filled with a flavorful beef and cheese mixture, smothered in sauce and gooey mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a regular rotation in your meal planning. It’s comforting, customizable, and most importantly—delicious.

Similar Posts