There’s something undeniably satisfying about a plate of stuffed shells with ground beef, isn’t there? Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling a savory blend of seasoned beef and creamy ricotta, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. The moment you pull that bubbling dish out of the oven, the aroma wafts through the air, making your stomach grumble louder than a toddler denied dessert.
This dish doesn’t just fill bellies; it fills hearts. I still remember the first time I made these cheesy delights for my family. My kids’ eyes lit up like they’d just spotted Santa’s sleigh! It became our go-to comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it on rotation for every occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are easy to prepare and make weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting taste explosion in every bite
- These visually appealing shells are a hit at dinner parties, impressing guests effortlessly
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or sauces!
I made these stuffed shells for my friends’ potluck once, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than free samples at Costco.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Opt for high-quality pasta that can hold the filling well without falling apart.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while still maintaining flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that melts beautifully in the oven.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds wonderful stretchiness; sprinkle generously on top before baking.
Marinara Sauce: Select your favorite store-bought sauce or whip up homemade for an extra touch.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for that nutty flavor that elevates this dish to new heights.
Fresh Basil and Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the flavors beautifully; chop finely before adding to the mixture.
Garlic and Onion: Sautéed garlic and onion add depth and aroma—don’t skip this step!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs brings an authentic Italian flair to your stuffing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil followed by chopped onions. Sauté until translucent before adding minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and fragrant.
Create the Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef with ricotta cheese, half of shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
Stuff the Shells Generously: Spoon the filling into each shell using a small spoon or piping bag until they’re filled but not overflowing. Place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour marinara sauce evenly over stuffed shells until covered. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top—this will create that gooey topping we all love!
Bake Until Golden Brown!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to achieve that golden crust.
Now that you’ve gone through this delightful process of making stuffed shells with ground beef, get ready for an explosion of flavors! Each bite boasts creamy cheese surrounded by savory meat—all wrapped up in tender pasta goodness!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are a delightful twist on traditional pasta
- The blend of flavors creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
- Plus, the cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the shells al dente; undercooked shells hold up better when stuffed. While they cook, brown the ground beef and prepare your sauce simultaneously for efficient meal prep.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding spinach for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with various cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella to create your favorite flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring they retain their delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil your cooked shells before stuffing them
- Ensure even cooking by using a large baking dish with enough space between each shell
- Always taste your filling before stuffing; it’s easier to adjust seasonings now than later!
There’s nothing quite like the first time you serve these stuffed shells and watch friends’ faces light up. One friend even declared it “life-changing,” which made my heart swell more than the cheese in those shells!
FAQ
Can I make stuffed shells with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a day prior and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of sauce works best for stuffed shells with ground beef?
A marinara sauce complements this dish perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the filling.
Are there vegetarian options for stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
- In a bowl, combine cooked beef mixture with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, herbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the filling and place seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover for the last 10 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
