Cozy Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with these delectable baked stuffed shells that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Packed with rich, creamy cheese and savory herbs, this classic Italian-inspired dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

The shells burst with incredible flavor, creating a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone craving more.

Tender pasta pockets cradle a delightful mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques transform this recipe into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

These shells are your ticket to a delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort in Stuffed Shells

• Stuffed shells bring ultimate warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table, perfect for gathering family and friends around a delicious shared experience.
• Despite looking impressive, this recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create a restaurant-quality dish without stress.
• Ground beef combined with rich cheeses creates a nutritionally balanced meal that delivers robust taste and satisfying texture in every single bite, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling completely content.
• Flexible ingredients allow personal tweaks like swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese combinations, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable to individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding a generous amount of cheese and meat filling.

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that adds rich flavor and substance to the stuffed shells.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of creamy cheeses that create a luxurious and flavorful filling.

• Pasta Sauce: A ready-made sauce that provides moisture and additional flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Onion: Fresh ingredients that build a deep, savory base for the meat sauce.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note to the cheese filling.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the baking dish is non-stick for easy serving.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish during pasta cooking.

Easy Method for Making Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Toss in jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet.

Break it apart and cook until no pink remains.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour pasta sauce into the skillet with the beef.

Stir and let simmer on low heat, allowing flavors to merge.

Step 6: Create the Cheese Blend

• Beaten egg
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried parsley

Mix until smooth and consistent.

Step 7: Build the Base Layer

Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 8: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells open-side up in the baking dish.

Step 9: Cover with Sauce

Pour remaining meat sauce over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 11: Cheese the Top

Remove foil and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells.

Bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 12: Serve and Delight

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Dish out and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors with family and friends.

Tips for Creamier Stuffed Pasta

• Rinse cooked shells with cool water and separate them gently to avoid clumping, ensuring each shell remains perfect for stuffing.
• Add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the cheese mixture for an extra aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth for 15 minutes to remove excess liquid, preventing a watery filling and maintaining a creamy texture.
• Assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and making mealtime preparation easier.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or ground turkey for a lighter protein option that still delivers maximum flavor.

Saving and Warming Stuffed Shells Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the shells remain fresh and tasty.
• Wrap the baked stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when the shells are steaming hot and cheese melts completely.

Sides That Match Stuffed Shell Recipes

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the stuffed shells. The wine's acidity cuts through the cheese's creaminess while enhancing the tomato sauce's depth.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting French or Italian bread, brushing with garlic-infused olive oil, and sprinkling with fresh parsley. Its crunchy texture and garlicky flavor provide an excellent contrast to the soft, cheesy shells.
• Refresh with Bright Salad: Craft a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The salad's fresh, peppery notes balance the richness of the baked dish and add a vibrant element to the meal.
• Complement with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a refreshing mint or basil-infused iced tea to cool down the palate. Its herbal undertones and crisp temperature offer a delightful counterpoint to the warm, hearty stuffed shells.

Different Fillings for Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Shell Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms. Use vegetable marinara sauce for added depth and keep the cheese filling intact for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Shell Option: Substitute traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells made from rice or corn flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Use roasted zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves instead of pasta shells. Maintain the original cheese and meat sauce recipe for a nutritious, carbohydrate-reduced meal.
• Dairy-Free Shell Adaptation: Swap ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based cheese or dairy-free alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile and choose plant-based ground meat substitutes to create a completely dairy-free dish.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ground beef and is not vegetarian-friendly. You would need to substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or vegetable crumbles.

• Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?

Yes, you can swap ricotta with cottage cheese or use a blend of different cheeses like provolone or romano. Just maintain similar proportions to ensure the right consistency.

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook the shells until they are al dente and handle them gently. Use a small spoon to carefully fill each shell, avoiding overstuffing which can cause splitting. Rinsing with cool water after cooking also helps make them more manageable.

• What if I don't have jumbo pasta shells?

You can substitute with large pasta shells or even use large manicotti tubes. The key is choosing a pasta shape that can be easily stuffed and holds the cheese mixture well.

Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy ricotta and spinach stuffed shells bring Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables. Baked golden and bubbling with rich marinara, these pasta pockets deliver hearty satisfaction that beckons you to savor each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 12 pound (226 grams) ground beef
• 24 ounces (680 grams) pasta sauce or homemade meat sauce
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 12 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and ease handling.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart and cooking until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Pour pasta sauce into the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Simmer on low heat to blend flavors thoroughly.
6. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg, then combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried parsley until well mixed.
7. Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture, placing them open side up in the baking dish.
9. Cover the stuffed shells completely with remaining meat sauce.
10. Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
11. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the shells, and return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
12. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to plate.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the dish that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat and want to elevate the flavor profile.
• Test pasta shell doneness by ensuring they’re tender but still firm enough to hold the cheese filling without falling apart during baking.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy families.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg