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- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 egg - 2 cups marinara sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You need jumbo pasta shells for this dish. They hold the filling well and taste great. Ground beef is the star of this meal. It gives a hearty flavor and pairs well with cheese. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess to the filling. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, adding a nice stretch. Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick to the mix. Don’t forget the egg. It helps bind the filling. Marinara sauce adds a rich tomato flavor. Minced garlic boosts the taste with a bit of zing. Italian seasoning brings herbs into the mix. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch when serving. Gather these ingredients for a tasty stuffed shells dish. Each one plays a crucial role in making this meal delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy it brings to your table! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil the pasta shells in a large pot with salted water. - Cook them until they are al dente. This takes about 10 minutes. - Drain the shells and set them aside on a clean surface. - In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. It should take about 5 to 7 minutes. - Once the beef is brown, add minced garlic. - Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. - Mix everything well until fully blended. - Carefully stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture. - Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. - Place the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. - Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. - Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. - The cheese should be bubbly and golden when done. - Once baked, let the dish sit for a few minutes. Add fresh basil leaves for garnish before serving. - Cooking pasta to al dente: Cook the jumbo shells just until they are firm. This way, they won’t break when you stuff them. Al dente pasta holds its shape well and adds a nice bite to your dish. - Avoid overstuffing: Stuff each shell with just enough filling. Too much filling can cause the shells to burst during baking. Aim for a generous but controlled amount for the best result. - Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can brighten your dish. Add them to the filling or sprinkle on top before serving. Fresh herbs add great flavor and a pop of color. - Experiment with different cheeses: Try using provolone or goat cheese. Mixing cheeses can create new flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix it up for a unique taste. - Pair with garlic bread or salad: Garlic bread adds a crunchy contrast. A fresh salad provides a light side to balance the meal. Together, they make a complete dinner. - Best wine pairings: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti works well. It complements the beef and marinara sauce nicely. Enjoy with a glass to elevate your meal experience. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the jumbo shells until al dente. They will continue to cook when baked, ensuring they don’t become mushy. Cheese Variations: Feel free to customize the cheese blend! Adding a bit of goat cheese or cheddar can elevate the flavor profile. Extra Flavor Boost: Sauté some chopped onions or bell peppers with the ground beef for added flavor and nutrition. Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook! {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in stuffed shells for a new twist. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These meats are leaner but still rich in flavor. Use the same amount as the ground beef. Italian sausage is another great option. It adds a nice spice and depth to the dish. You can mix it with the ground beef for extra flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasonings for a balanced taste. If you want a meatless option, try a spinach and cheese filling. Mix fresh spinach with ricotta and some herbs. This filling is creamy and tasty. Another good choice is a mushroom and ricotta combination. Sauté mushrooms until soft, then mix them with ricotta cheese. This adds a nice earthy flavor to your shells. Both options are hearty and satisfying. The sauce can change the whole dish. Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy choice. It pairs well with the cheesy filling. You can layer it with marinara for a unique flavor combo. Adding different cheeses on top can also enhance the taste. Try mixing in provolone or gouda for a new twist. These cheeses melt beautifully and add depth to your meal. To keep your stuffed shells fresh, you should store them right. - Refrigeration tips: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool them down first before sealing. - Freezing guidelines: If you want to save them longer, freeze the stuffed shells. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. - Best methods for reheating: The oven works best for even heating. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. - Oven vs microwave: The microwave is quicker but may not heat evenly. If using the microwave, place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you avoid cold spots. Yes, you can prep stuffed shells ahead of time. This makes dinner easy. You can stuff the shells and place them in a baking dish. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, you save time on busy nights. Stuffed shells need to bake for a total of 35 minutes. First, cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes. This helps the cheese get bubbly and golden. Make sure to watch them closely in the last few minutes to avoid burning. You can substitute cheese in this recipe. If you want a different taste, try goat cheese or feta cheese. You can also use ricotta alternatives like cottage cheese. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheese. Just make sure it melts well for the best flavor. Stuffed shells are a tasty dish filled with ground beef, cheese, and herbs. I shared steps to cook them easily, like boiling pasta and preparing fillings. Remember to keep your shells al dente and play with flavors to make them your own. Whether you try different meats or go vegetarian, there’s a version for everyone. Store any leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With these tips, you can create delicious stuffed shells that impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Deliciously Cheesy Stuffed Shells with Beef

A hearty dish of jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory beef and cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 piece egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
  • Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
  • Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
  • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Keyword beef, cheesy, Italian, pasta, stuffed shells