Try Our Hearty Homemade Stuffed Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with these mouthwatering stuffed shells with ground beef that promise a delectable dining experience.

Tender pasta shells cradle a rich, savory filling bursting with seasoned meat and creamy cheeses.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of hearty flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

The recipe combines classic Italian-inspired ingredients with simple preparation techniques anyone can master.

Melted cheese blankets the shells, creating an irresistible golden-brown top that signals pure deliciousness awaits.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you serve this crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary celebration that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Hit the Spot

• Stuffed shells with ground beef deliver a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these stuffed shells appeal to both kids and adults with their cheesy, meaty goodness.
• The recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time, allowing busy home cooks to assemble the dish in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Ingredients for Beef Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with a delicious mixture.
• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious filling.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that provide melty texture and savory depth to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a flavorful base for the meat mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that keeps the shells moist and adds tangy flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.

Cooking Ground Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C) so it’s ready for baking when you finish preparing the dish.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring to a boil and add jumbo pasta shells.

Cook until they’re just tender.

Drain and spread them out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef into the skillet with onions and garlic.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Break up the meat while cooking until it’s completely browned.

Drain excess fat.

Step 5: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Half of mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Chopped parsley

Mix in the cooled beef to create a rich filling.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread half the marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 7: Fill the Shells

Generously stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Arrange them in a single layer in the sauce-lined dish.

Step 8: Top With Sauce and Cheese

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top for a melty finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with garlic bread on the side for dipping.

Tips for Stuffed Shells That Shine

• Lay cooked pasta shells on a baking sheet immediately after draining to stop them from clumping together, ensuring easier stuffing and a prettier presentation.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef after cooking to keep the dish from becoming greasy and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother incorporation, creating a more consistent and creamy filling that distributes evenly inside the shells.
• Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking to enhance the meat's complexity and introduce a subtle richness to the overall dish.
• Don't be shy with herbs and spices – fresh parsley, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste from good to extraordinary, bringing vibrant layers of flavor to your stuffed shells.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Shells

• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a date label on the container to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove frozen shells from freezer and thaw overnight in refrigerator. Place in baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Uncover for last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent dryness. Stop heating when steam rises and cheese melts completely.

What Goes with Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and tomato sauce flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese with its acidic notes.
• Create Fresh Garden Salad: Toss together a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty stuffed shells, adding refreshing contrast and lightness.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra marinara sauce, providing a crunchy textural element that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Match with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a clean, palate-cleansing beverage that helps cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, providing a bright, zesty accompaniment to the meal.

Beef Stuffed Shells Twists to Try

• Vegetarian Shell Stuffing: Replace ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushroom medley. Season the alternative protein with similar spices to maintain the original flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Swap pasta shells with large roasted zucchini boats or bell pepper halves. These vegetable vessels provide a nutritious and carbohydrate-reduced option for health-conscious individuals.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or replace shells with large cauliflower florets. Ensure all other ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based milk to bind the filling mixture, creating a creamy texture without dairy products.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use sales-priced ground beef, buy cheese in bulk, and look for discounted marinara sauce. Generic brands often work just as well as name brands.

• What if I'm lactose intolerant?

Substitute regular cheeses with lactose-free ricotta and mozzarella. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well.

Stuffed Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef emerge as a comforting Italian-American classic that promises pure dinner delight. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and tender pasta shells combine to create a memorable meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Shells:

• 24 jumbo pasta shells

Meat and Cheese Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

Herbs, Spices, and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells until tender but firm. Drain and spread on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until onions become translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces and draining excess fat.
5. In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Incorporate the cooled beef into the cheese mixture, creating a rich filling.
6. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with half the marinara sauce, ensuring even coverage to prevent pasta from sticking.
7. Generously fill each pasta shell with the beef-cheese mixture, arranging them in a single layer within the sauce-lined dish.
8. Distribute remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, completely covering them. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
10. Allow the dish to rest briefly after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, potentially accompanied by garlic bread to complement the rich flavors.

Notes

• Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, which helps maintain a perfect texture.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy final dish, keeping the filling rich and concentrated.
• Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version that still delivers incredible flavor and protein.

• 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: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg