Beef-Stuffed Shells

Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Category: Dinner / Pasta Bake
• Keywords: Stuffed Shells, Ricotta Pasta, Ground Beef Recipe, Baked Pasta, deesviral
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in 1 cup of marinara and set aside.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan until creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Fill each pasta shell with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and a bit of the beef mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish.
6. Top with remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze assembled (unbaked) shells for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.

Why This Recipe Works

These shells are packed with bold flavors — savory beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, all tucked inside pasta and baked with marinara. The two layers of filling create the perfect balance of meatiness and creaminess. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Expert Tips

• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to neatly fill the shells.
• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta for extra nutrition.
• Swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor twist.
• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.