Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American classic, this Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. It takes jumbo pasta shells and fills them with a rich mixture of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all nestled in a luscious marinara sauce. Every bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish will quickly become a favorite go-to for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet every single one plays a vital role in creating that delicious, comforting dish. From the perfectly tender jumbo shells that cradle the filling, to the aromatic Italian seasoning that brightens the savory beef blend, each component is essential.

• 20 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully without breaking apart.
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef: Provides that savory heartiness that makes the dish satisfying and protein-packed.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that balances the beef.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping): Melts perfectly to create that irresistible gooey layer inside and on top.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, salty kick that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together so they stay put inside the shells.
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses every bite with classic Mediterranean notes.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Elevates the savory profile with subtle pungency.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the flavors in the filling.
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade): A rich tomato base that keeps everything moist and adds vibrant color.
• 1/4 cup water (to thin if needed): Used to achieve the perfect sauce consistency for baking.
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil: Adds a burst of freshness and brightness at the end.
• Extra Parmesan: Optional for sprinkling on top to add a finishing touch of savory goodness.

How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready to work its magic on the shells and the cheesy filling as soon as you assemble everything.

Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 9 minutes. Once tender but still firm, drain them well and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and make them easier to handle for stuffing.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. It should take around 6 to 8 minutes for the meat to become evenly browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling nice and balanced in richness, then let the meat cool slightly so it mixes better with the cheeses.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined. This mixture will be creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned—a real crowd-pleaser.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Take your time here to make sure each shell is filled generously without overstuffing, so they bake beautifully without spilling their contents.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a flavorful bed for the shells. Then arrange your stuffed shells neatly in the dish, making sure they’re snug but not crowded.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese Topping

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they’re all well covered to keep everything moist and flavorful during baking. Sprinkle the top with extra shredded mozzarella for that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese inside the shells to melt into gooey perfection.

Step 9: Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese on top turn beautifully bubbly and golden brown. This step gives the dish its irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite of this soul-satisfying Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make the perfect garnish. Not only do they add vibrant green pops to the red and golden tones of the shells, but their subtle herbal brightness cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef filling in the best way possible.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to lighten the meal or some garlic bread to soak up every bit of the tomato sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted asparagus add both color and nutrition to round out your dinner plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve your shells in individual casserole dishes or on elegant plates with the shells arranged neatly and drizzled with extra marinara sauce. You could also top each shell with a tiny dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fresh, surprising twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, these Ground Beef Stuffed Shells will stay delicious for up to 3 days while maintaining their texture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the stuffed shells in your baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen by adding a bit of extra time. Alternatively, freeze cooked leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in the microwave until warmed through or bake covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the filling is hot and bubbly. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps keep everything moist and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic here, ground turkey or Italian sausage can be excellent alternatives that bring their own unique flavor to the stuffed shells.

Do I need to cook the pasta shells before stuffing?

Yes, cooking the jumbo shells until al dente is important so they are pliable enough to stuff but still hold their shape during baking.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the beef and cheese filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to stuff the shells and bake.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute cottage cheese blended until smooth or even a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella, though ricotta’s mild flavor and texture are ideal for authentic results.

Is this recipe freezer friendly after baking?

Leftovers freeze well after cooking. Just store in airtight containers and thaw overnight before reheating to enjoy the same comforting taste.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe is a brilliant example of classic comfort food done right. It welcomes everyone to the table with its warm, cheesy, and savory goodness, making mealtime truly special. I encourage you to try it for yourself soon and discover how effortlessly you can create a dish that feels both homemade and impressively delicious.

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