There’s something about a warm, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, isn’t there? These stuffed pasta shells with ground beef are exactly that – a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a potluck. They’re hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make, even on a busy day.
I remember the first time I made these. It was a chilly evening, and I was looking for something filling yet simple. When I pulled the bubbling tray of stuffed shells out of the oven, the golden, cheesy top and the rich aroma of Italian spices won my family over instantly. Now, this recipe is a regular at our table, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Let’s dive into the magic of creating this delightful dish.
Step 1: Prepping the Pasta Shells
First things first: jumbo pasta shells are the star of this recipe, and getting them just right is key. Here’s how to nail it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Pro tip: Salting the water adds flavor to the pasta, so don’t skimp!)
- Cook the shells until they’re al dente. You want them to hold their shape because they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also makes them easier to handle when stuffing. Lay them out on a baking sheet to dry. Trust me, this step keeps them from sticking together.
While the pasta cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as you get everything else ready!
Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Beef Filling
This filling is where the magic happens – a savory blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy cheeses. Here’s how you do it:
- Sauté the Base: Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in a chopped yellow onion and let it sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out its sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for just a minute or two until fragrant. Don’t let it burn; you want that lovely garlicky aroma without bitterness.
- Cook the Beef: Next, add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning for that classic flavor. Stir in 1 cup of spaghetti sauce to create a rich, meaty filling. Let this cool slightly before the next step – it’s important so the cheese doesn’t melt prematurely!
Step 3: Mixing the Cheesy Goodness
The cheesy filling takes these shells from tasty to unforgettable. In a large mixing bowl:
- Combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated parmesan.
- Add a beaten egg for structure and creaminess.
- Once the beef mixture is cooled slightly, fold it into the cheese mixture. This creates the ultimate savory filling that’s packed with flavor.
Assembling and Baking Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells
Alright, now that our filling is ready and the pasta shells are prepped, it’s time to bring it all together. This is the part where the magic really starts to happen. If you’re like me, assembling these stuffed pasta shells is a surprisingly therapeutic process—it’s all about filling each shell with love (and a generous spoonful of that cheesy, beefy goodness).
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
To ensure your stuffed shells bake perfectly, we need a good base layer of sauce and a snug arrangement of shells. Follow these steps for a picture-perfect dish:
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This keeps everything from sticking later (and makes cleanup so much easier). Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This acts as a flavorful foundation and keeps the pasta shells moist as they bake.
- Fill the Shells: Now for the fun part! Take each cooked shell and use a spoon to fill it with the cheesy beef mixture. Pack it in tightly but gently—think of it like creating little flavor bombs. Place each filled shell, open side up, into the saucy baking dish. Line them up in a single layer to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Topping It Off
No pasta bake is complete without a cheesy topping. This step adds that golden, bubbly crust that makes this dish irresistible:
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella over the shells. If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add a little extra!
- Add some grated parmesan for an extra layer of savory goodness. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
If you like a little texture, try sprinkling breadcrumbs mixed with a drizzle of olive oil and some Italian seasoning on top. This creates a crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Now it’s time to let the oven work its magic. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the cheese melt beautifully.
For that golden, bubbly top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Watch closely—you want a perfect golden hue without burning.
When it’s done, your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly aroma of cheesy, saucy perfection. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
Serving Tips and Pairings
Now that your stuffed pasta shells are ready, let’s talk about how to serve them. These shells are a meal on their own, but pairing them with a few sides takes dinner to the next level. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: The ultimate companion for any pasta dish. Use it to scoop up extra sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the shells.
- Extra Marinara Sauce: Warm up some additional spaghetti sauce for drizzling over the shells before serving.
Variations and Creative Twists
Want to put your own spin on these stuffed pasta shells? Here are some ideas to make the recipe uniquely yours:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Mix these with the cheese filling for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.
- Seafood Twist: Replace the ground beef with cooked shrimp or crab for a luxurious seafood version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations, like adding fontina or gouda for a rich, melty texture.
With these variations, this recipe becomes endlessly versatile—you can tailor it to suit any craving or occasion.
FAQ and Final Thoughts on Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells
Now that your stuffed pasta shells are golden and bubbly, let’s dive into some commonly asked questions and final tips to ensure your dish turns out flawless every time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a pasta newbie, these answers will help you master this recipe.
FAQs About Stuffed Pasta Shells
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells up to the point of baking, then cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?
Yes! These shells freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Assemble the dish as instructed but skip the baking. Cover tightly with foil or use a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the original baking instructions.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals to avoid drying out the cheese and pasta.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While jumbo pasta shells are traditional for this dish, you can use other large, stuffable pastas like manicotti or cannelloni. The filling and baking process remain the same.
5. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a slightly different texture. Just make sure to blend them well to achieve a smooth consistency.
6. How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up the recipe, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, swap whole-milk ricotta for part-skim, and load up the filling with extra vegetables like finely chopped spinach or zucchini.
7. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure that your spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Dish That Brings Everyone Together
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a warm, cheesy, homemade meal with family and friends, and these stuffed pasta shells are the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. From the rich, savory filling to the golden, bubbly topping, every bite is packed with comfort and flavor.
I love how versatile this recipe is—you can prepare it ahead of time, customize it to suit your taste, or even make it a freezer-friendly meal for busy nights. And don’t forget, the best part of cooking is making it your own, so feel free to experiment with new ingredients and twists.
Whether you serve it with a fresh salad, crispy garlic bread, or just a fork and a big appetite, these stuffed pasta shells are guaranteed to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen. And if you try any fun variations, be sure to share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your creative takes on this classic recipe!
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Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
This Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe features tender jumbo shells filled with a rich, cheesy ground beef mixture, baked to perfection in a flavorful spaghetti sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- For the shells and filling:
- ½ pound jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce (for filling)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- For the assembly:
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce (for the baking dish)
- Extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the pasta shells:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Arrange the shells on a baking sheet to dry.
2️⃣ Cook the beef filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the Italian seasoning and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce. Set aside to cool slightly.
3️⃣ Prepare the cheese mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
Add the slightly cooled beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
4️⃣ Assemble the dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom.
Fill each pasta shell with the cheesy beef mixture, using a spoon to pack it tightly.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.
5️⃣ Top and bake:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan cheese over the shells.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden crust, uncover during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
6️⃣ Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
