The aroma of these beef and cheese stuffed pasta shells is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. With tender jumbo shells loaded with a savory mix of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, every bite is pure comfort food heaven. Covered in rich marinara sauce and baked until bubbling and golden, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying yet easy to prepare. It also makes a standout potluck or Sunday dinner main dish. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad to make it a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Leftovers (if any!) reheat beautifully, making this a smart choice for meal prep, too.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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20 jumbo pasta shells
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
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Add the cooled beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
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Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
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Stuff each shell with the beef and cheese filling and place them in the baking dish.
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Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 435 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Beef and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells
When it comes to hearty, home-cooked meals that bring the whole family together, nothing hits quite like a bubbling tray of Beef and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells. These jumbo shells are packed with a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all blanketed in rich marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for Sunday dinners, meal preps, potlucks, or whenever comfort food calls your name.
This dish takes inspiration from traditional Italian-American cooking, blending convenience with bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply feeding your family, stuffed shells offer an irresistible balance of creamy, savory, and tangy that is universally loved. And despite their impressive appearance and flavor, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare!
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special, and why it should become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Beef and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells check every box when it comes to a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
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Flavor-packed: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tangy marinara creates layers of flavor in every bite.
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Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love it, making it a winning dish for any household.
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Make-ahead convenience: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
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Freezer-friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully, so you can store leftovers or make a second tray for later.
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Customizable: Add vegetables, swap meats, or use different cheeses depending on your dietary needs or preferences.
A Brief History of Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed pasta is rooted in Italian culinary traditions, particularly from southern regions like Campania and Sicily. While lasagna and cannelloni may be more traditional forms, stuffed shells or conchiglioni ripieni, offer a modern, Americanized adaptation that has become a staple in many Western kitchens. These large pasta shells are designed to be filled, cradling rich mixtures of cheese, meat, and vegetables before being smothered in sauce and baked.
The concept likely gained popularity in the U.S. in the mid-20th century as Italian immigrants adapted their family recipes using American pantry staples like ground beef and store-bought pasta. Today, variations of stuffed shells are widely found in homes, delis, and restaurants across the country.
Ingredient Deep Dive
- Ground Beef
Lean ground beef serves as the heart of this filling. Rich in protein and savory in flavor, it pairs beautifully with cheese and tomato sauce. Choose 85–90% lean ground beef for the right balance of moisture and taste.
- Ricotta Cheese
This soft, Italian whey cheese adds creaminess and mild flavor. It’s a key component in many baked pasta dishes and helps to balance the richness of the meat.
- Mozzarella
Mozzarella contributes that delicious stretchy, gooey cheese factor. Use a good-quality block mozzarella and shred it yourself for better melt and texture.
- Parmesan
A little Parmesan adds sharpness and umami depth. It also crisps up nicely when baked, adding texture and flavor.
- Marinara Sauce
Tomato sauce ties everything together, adding acidity and moisture. Homemade is great if you have the time, but a good-quality store-bought jar works perfectly too.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells
These oversized pasta shells are specifically made for stuffing. When cooked al dente, they hold their shape and provide the perfect vessel for filling.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about stuffed shells is how versatile they are. Here are a few ways to make them your own:
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and double the cheese, or use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty meatless filling.
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Chicken or Turkey Swap: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot Italian sausage for a spicy variation.
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Creamy Alfredo Twist: Instead of marinara, use a white sauce like Alfredo or béchamel for a rich and creamy finish.
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Low-carb Option: Replace pasta shells with large zucchini slices or cabbage leaves and roll them up with the same filling.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
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Do not overcook pasta: Cook the shells just until al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven and hold their shape better this way.
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Use a piping bag: For a neater and faster process, spoon your filling into a piping bag (or zip-top bag with a corner cut off) and squeeze it into each shell.
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Don’t skimp on sauce: Sauce keeps the shells moist during baking. Layer it generously on the bottom and top.
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Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and enhances flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked shells in a foil container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
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Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish is indulgent yet balanced. Each serving offers a good mix of protein, carbs, and fat, making it fill and satisfying. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using part-skim cheeses or leaner meat cuts.
Estimated Nutritional Info (per serving):
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Calories: 435 kcal
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Protein: 27g
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Carbs: 34g
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Fat: 21g
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Fiber: 2g
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Calcium: 220mg
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Iron: 2.5mg
Perfect Pairings
Beef and cheese stuffed shells are a meal on their own but pairing them with complementary sides can take the experience up a notch. Try these:
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Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Ideal for scooping up extra sauce.
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Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness of the dish.
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Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make great accompaniments.
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Red Wine: A bold red like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the tomato and beef flavors.
Popular Serving Occasions
Stuffed shells are incredibly versatile and work well for:
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Sunday family dinners
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Meal prep and batch cooking
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Potlucks and gatherings
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Holiday feasts (Easter, Christmas)
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Weeknight comfort food
Their elegant look and comforting flavor make them just as suitable for casual dinners as they are for special occasions.
Conclusion
Beef and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells are more than just another baked pasta recipe, they’re a warm, nourishing meal that evokes nostalgia, love, and home-cooked goodness. From their cheesy, meaty filling to the saucy, golden-baked top, these shells deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this dish delivers every time.
With endless variations, freezer-friendly functionality, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing appeal, these stuffed shells are sure to become a regular in your kitchen repertoire. Don’t be surprised if they become the most-requested dish at your dinner table!