There’s something magical about stuffed shells with ground beef. Imagine a plate piled high with pasta, each shell brimming with seasoned meat and creamy cheese, topped with a rich marinara sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafting through the kitchen makes your stomach rumble as you anticipate that first bite.
This dish brings back countless family dinners where laughter filled the air, and the only thing more comforting than the food was the company. Stuffed shells are perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends, promising a symphony of flavors and textures that leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed shells with ground beef recipe is simple yet satisfying, making dinner prep a walk in the park
- The blend of seasonings creates a flavor explosion that delights everyone at the table
- These visually appealing shells make for a stunning presentation that impresses guests
- Versatile enough to customize fillings or sauces, they adapt beautifully to any occasion
The first time I made this dish, my kids’ eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. They dove into those cheesy shells like they were treasure hunters discovering gold.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Shells: Aim for about 20-24 shells; they’re perfect for holding all that cheesy goodness.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta adds creaminess; opt for whole milk ricotta if possible for richer taste.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for topping; it melts beautifully and adds an irresistible stretch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives a nutty finish; sprinkle generously over the top before baking.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds an extra touch of love and flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together; feel free to adjust based on your palate.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential; always taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling like a hot spring, add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain them gently to avoid tearing.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
Create the Cheesy Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and smooth—this filling should taste so good you might just want to eat it straight.
Stuff Those Shells!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each pasta shell and carefully stuff it with your cheesy mixture using a spoon or piping bag—don’t worry if some cheese oozes out; that just means more flavor!
Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in rows on top. Pour remaining sauce over them generously before sprinkling the rest of mozzarella on top.
Bake to Perfection!: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (to keep moisture in) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow that cheese on top to bubble gloriously.
Now all that’s left is to enjoy every gooey bite of your stuffed shells with ground beef!
If you’ve followed along correctly—which I know you have—you’ll have a beautiful dish ready to wow family or friends (or even just yourself). Serve steaming hot alongside some garlic bread or a crisp salad for balance.
Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just indulging after a long day, these stuffed shells are sure to make your heart—and stomach—sing!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners
- The cheese and savory meat blend creates an irresistible aroma that will make everyone’s mouths water
- Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that melty goodness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the shells while browning the ground beef. Prepare your sauce simultaneously to ensure everything is hot and ready to go, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie punch, or play with spices like oregano or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the cheese remains gooey.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked pasta shells, avoid overcooking them; they should be al dente
- When stuffing, pack them well; this prevents them from falling apart during baking
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving elevates the dish’s flavor and presentation
I still remember the first time I made stuffed shells with ground beef for my family. They all raved about it, and my mom even asked for seconds—now that’s a win!
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat in stuffed shells with ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for variety.
How do I prevent my stuffed shells from sticking together?
Drizzle a little oil on them after boiling to keep them separate until stuffed.
What’s the best way to freeze stuffed shells with ground beef?
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting classic that combines tender pasta filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture, all topped with rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re celebrating or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these stuffed shells are sure to please.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 24 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain carefully.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce into a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
