Cheesy beef stuffed shells are a hearty baked pasta dish filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce. These jumbo pasta shells are packed with flavor, topped with melted cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy comfort food nights.
Stuffed Shells
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
🍳 Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
🧾 Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Jumbo Shells: Cook until just al dente so they don’t tear
- Ground Beef: Lean beef works best for less grease
- Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy filling texture
- Mozzarella: Gives gooey melted cheese topping
- Marinara Sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella cheese.
- Stir cooked beef mixture into the cheese filling.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Arrange shells in the baking dish.
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
🧪 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450–650 kcal
- Protein: 25–35g
- Carbohydrates: 30–45g
- Fat: 20–30g
- Fiber: 2–4g
💡 Tips
- Slightly undercook shells to prevent tearing
- Use a piping bag for easier filling
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
- Freeze leftovers for easy future meals
🔄 Variations
- Spinach & Beef Stuffed Shells 🌿
- Spicy Stuffed Shells 🌶️
- Chicken Alfredo Shells 🍗
- Three Cheese Stuffed Shells 🧀
- Keto Version 🥒: Use zucchini boats instead of pasta shells