Dinner

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Name: Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1 tbsp salt; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 3 cups marinara sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil or parsley

September 16, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells is the ultimate comfort food—tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making it the perfect meal for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep.

This dish combines the best of both worlds: the satisfaction of pasta and the indulgence of a cheesy beef filling. The shells cradle the filling beautifully, and when baked, everything melds together in a bubbling, golden dish that smells as amazing as it tastes.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells because it’s comforting, cheesy, and customizable. The combination of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory ground beef is irresistible. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that feels special but doesn’t require complicated steps—you get a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

I also love how family-friendly it is. It’s a dish that everyone—kids and adults alike—will devour. It can be prepped ahead of time, frozen for later, and reheated when needed, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want to get ahead on meal planning.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Hearty & Satisfying: A full meal that feels indulgent and filling.
Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking.
Cheesy Goodness: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make it irresistibly creamy.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, parties, or Sunday dinners.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~480–520 kcal per serving
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta Shells:

20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)

For the Beef & Cheese Filling:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Baking:

3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions (Simple Version)

Cook pasta shells until al dente.
Prepare beef and cheese filling.
Stuff shells with filling.
Place in baking dish with marinara sauce.
Top with mozzarella, bake until bubbly, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente.
Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside on a tray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Beef Mixture

In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion over medium heat until browned.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Drain excess fat.
Remove from heat and let slightly cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Add the cooled beef mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
Place stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

How to Serve

With garlic bread and a side salad for a full Italian-inspired dinner.
Pair with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serve as a main dish at family gatherings or potlucks.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook pasta shells—they’ll continue baking in the oven.
Use a piping bag or spoon to fill shells easily.
Double the recipe and freeze one batch for later.
Try mixing in spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Variations

Cheesy Spinach Beef Shells: Add sautéed spinach to the filling.
Three-Cheese Shells: Use ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
Spicy Beef Shells: Add red chili flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing (Before Baking): Assemble stuffed shells, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to cooking time.
Freezing (After Baking): Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet for cooking beef
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells is a hearty, family-friendly comfort food that combines savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or freezer meals, it’s a recipe that delivers every time.

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