Cozy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe for Family Joy

Tender pasta shells packed with ground beef create a mouthwatering meal that quickly becomes a weeknight favorite.

Comfort food meets delicious simplicity in this ground beef stuffed pasta shells recipe.

Hearty and satisfying, the dish brings together rich meat and creamy cheese in every delectable bite.

Melted cheese blankets the shells, promising a golden-brown exterior that hints at the deliciousness inside.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly, making this a crowd-pleasing option for dinner.

Each shell bursts with savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to indulge in a classic recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Stuffed Shells With Beef So Filling

• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, add different herbs, or experiment with cheese varieties to create your unique flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Designed to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, this recipe uses affordable ingredients while providing a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• One-Dish Dish: Minimal cleanup required as everything comes together in a single baking dish, making this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Pasta Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing with delicious fillings.

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that brings rich flavor to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and melty cheeses that create a luxurious texture.

• Spaghetti Sauce, Italian Seasoning: Flavorful sauce and herbs that enhance the overall taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth to the beef filling.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and meat mixture together.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that provide fundamental flavor.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright herbs that add a fresh finish to the dish.

Instructions for Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Get a large pot of salted water bubbling.

Drop in jumbo pasta shells and cook until they’re just tender.

Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Spread shells on a baking sheet to dry out.

Step 2: Create Savory Beef Base

Warm olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and let the kitchen fill with amazing aromas.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.

Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any extra fat.

Stir in Italian seasoning and a splash of spaghetti sauce.

Let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan
• Beaten egg

Mix everything until smooth.

Fold in the cooled beef mixture, creating a rich and hearty filling.

Step 4: Assemble Delicious Shells

Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom.

Use a spoon to stuff each pasta shell generously with the cheesy beef mixture.

Pack them tightly and arrange in a single layer.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan over the shells.

Cover with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated oven.

Bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

For extra crispiness, remove the foil during the last few minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the dish from the oven and let it rest briefly.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve alongside marinara sauce, crispy garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Pro Tips for Cheesy, Meaty Shells

• Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent tearing and maintain structural integrity during stuffing and baking.
• Rinse shells with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, which helps maintain their shape for easy filling.
• Thoroughly drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother incorporation and more even distribution throughout the filling, creating a more consistent texture.
• Remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown cheese topping that adds visual appeal and delicious crispy edges.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pasta Shells

• Store leftover stuffed pasta shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover shells with foil to prevent drying and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Best Sides for Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory beef and tomato sauce flavors.
• Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan to balance the hearty pasta dish and add brightness.
• Create Garlic Herb Bread: Bake a crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Serve with Zesty Antipasto: Prepare a small antipasto platter with marinated olives, cured meats, and roasted vegetables to enhance the Italian-inspired meal and provide additional flavor variety.

Variations for Beef-Stuffed Shells

• Veggie Power Shells: Replace ground beef with a mix of diced zucchini, mushrooms, and lentils for a plant-based protein-packed alternative that's lower in calories and rich in nutrients.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta shells with roasted cauliflower halves, creating a gluten-free option that's keto-friendly and reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate ground lamb instead of beef, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped spinach for a Greek-inspired version with bolder Mediterranean flavors.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Use cashew ricotta cheese, nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella to create an allergen-friendly recipe that still maintains creamy texture and delicious taste.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing while stuffing?

Gently handle the shells and make sure they are completely cooled and dry before filling. Use a small spoon to carefully stuff the mixture without applying too much pressure.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose ground beef with a moderate fat content, like 80/20 or 85/15. This ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful without being too greasy. Lean ground beef can dry out during cooking.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the regular pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells available in many specialty grocery stores. Ensure all other ingredients like spaghetti sauce are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Stuffed Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Italian-inspired Stuffed Pasta Shells combine hearty ground beef with creamy ricotta in a rich marinara sauce. Comfort meets cuisine in this crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners and weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Binding and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for baking dish)
• Extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Carefully select jumbo pasta shells, ensuring they’re large enough to hold a generous filling without tearing during cooking.
2. Fill a spacious pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Gently submerge pasta shells and cook until they reach a tender yet firm al dente consistency, typically 8-10 minutes.
4. Quickly drain shells and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process, then spread on a clean kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture.
5. Warm olive oil in a large skillet, creating a fragrant base for the beef mixture.
6. Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
7. Add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and develop a rich, aromatic foundation.
8. Incorporate ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns evenly throughout the pan.
9. Drain any accumulated fat to ensure a lighter, less greasy filling.
10. Infuse the meat with Italian seasoning and a splash of spaghetti sauce, creating a flavorful mixture.
11. In a separate mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with mozzarella and parmesan, creating a creamy cheese base.
12. Whisk in a beaten egg to bind the cheese mixture and add richness.
13. Fold the cooled beef mixture into the cheese blend, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
14. Prepare a baking dish by coating the bottom with a thin layer of spaghetti sauce to prevent sticking.
15. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, pressing gently to create a compact filling.
16. Arrange shells strategically in the baking dish, positioning them upright to hold the filling.
17. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan over the shells, creating a tempting cheesy topping.
18. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier during initial baking.
19. Place in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts and becomes gloriously bubbly.
20. Remove foil during the final baking moments to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.
21. Allow the dish to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting flavors meld and settle.
22. Garnish with fresh herbs, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic meal ready to be enjoyed with accompanying sides.

Notes

• Prevent overcooking pasta shells by testing them a minute before package instructions, ensuring they remain firm enough to hold filling without falling apart.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile in the dish.
• Prep shells ahead of time by cooking and cooling them earlier in the day, which helps maintain their structural integrity and makes assembly smoother.
• Consider alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for those seeking lower-fat or vegetarian alternatives without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg