Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich and creamy ricotta and ground beef mixture, then baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella for a deliciously cheesy, savory meal.

What Are Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef?

Stuffed shells are a classic baked pasta dish where large shell-shaped pasta is filled with a flavorful mixture, often including cheese, meat, and seasonings. In this recipe, the shells are stuffed with a savory combination of ground beef, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, then baked to perfection in marinara sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and cheesy – A perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Easy to prepare – Simple steps for a homemade, restaurant-quality meal.
• Make-ahead friendly – Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.
• Family favorite – Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Filling

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
4. Drain any excess grease and let the beef mixture cool slightly.

3. Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella.
2. Stir in the cooled beef mixture until well combined.

4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
3. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-beef mixture and place them in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake the Dish

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
2. Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.
• Serve alongside a Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for an authentic Italian experience.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations

• Make it vegetarian – Swap ground beef for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or lentils.
• Add more protein – Mix in cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef.
• Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Extra creamy – Add more ricotta or mix in a bit of cream cheese.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. Blend it for a smoother texture.

Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

What’s the best way to reheat stuffed shells?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for quick heating.

These stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy prep, they’re a great choice for a hearty family dinner. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Italian comfort at home!

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