Deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor, Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are like little hugs for your taste buds. Imagine biting into a tender pasta shell filled with savory ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at potlucks.
Growing up, my mom made these pasta shells for every special occasion. The aroma of baking cheese wafting through the house always made my siblings and me giddy with excitement Whether it was a birthday or just a Tuesday that needed some sprucing up, these delightful morsels never failed to bring us all together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- With a rich flavor profile that includes seasoned beef and melty cheese, they make an impressive yet simple dish
- Visually stunning when plated with vibrant marinara sauce and fresh herbs, they add elegance to any table
- They’re versatile too; feel free to customize the filling or sauce based on what you have in your pantry
Whenever I make this dish, my family’s eyes light up like Christmas morning—nothing beats their happy faces when they dig into these cheesy delights.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Look for extra-large shells that can hold ample filling without tearing.
- Ground Beef: I usually opt for 80/20 beef for the best flavor balance; it keeps the filling juicy.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade; it adds vibrant flavor and moisture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta provides an irresistible texture contrast to the meat; choose whole milk for richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the top; opt for fresh if you want extra gooeyness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan boosts flavor depth; always use freshly grated if possible.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs will elevate your filling’s taste; don’t skip it
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped basil adds freshness as a garnish; it’s also great mixed into the filling
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a single layer so they don’t stick.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Create the Filling: In a bowl, combine cooked beef with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella. Mix well until creamy. Taste for seasoning adjustments—it should be flavorful
Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of meat mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place filled shells seam-side up in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
Add Sauce & Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells generously. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top for that golden finish.
Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly—a beautiful sight indeed
Now it’s time to dig in Serve your Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells hot from the oven garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish as you relish every bite—just be ready for seconds
You Must Know
- Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are not just filling; they’re a hug in a bowl
- The rich beef and gooey cheese combination creates an aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen, making dinner feel like a cozy family gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente. While they cool, sauté the beef and onions for a flavorful filling. Finally, stuff those shells and bake them to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to kick up the flavor
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, ensuring they stay cheesy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor; it makes all the difference When stuffing shells, don’t overfill; keep it neat for easier handling
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking
The first time I made these Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, my friends devoured them within minutes Their laughter filled the room as they fought over the last shell—definitely a night to remember
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat in hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives to beef.
How long do hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells last in the fridge?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
What can I serve with hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells?
A simple side salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly!
Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting and cheesy dish filled with savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese—ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out in a single layer.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cooked beef with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella until creamy.
- Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, placing them seam-side up in a baking dish coated with half of the marinara sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
