Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling dish of stuffed pasta shells coming out of the oven. The cheese melts into little golden pockets, the marinara sauce smells rich and cozy, and every shell feels like a warm hug on a plate.
This is the kind of meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening, a family dinner, or any night when you want something hearty without making things complicated. The tender pasta shells are filled with savory beef, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, herbs, and plenty of mozzarella. Then everything bakes together until the sauce is bubbling and the top is beautifully cheesy.
It’s simple, filling, and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. You want them al dente, so they hold their shape when stuffed. Drain them gently and set them aside.
While the shells cool a little, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and the kitchen smells savory and delicious.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella. Mix until everything is creamy, cheesy, and well combined.
Spread some marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture and nestle them into the dish.
Spoon the remaining marinara over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top.
Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted, golden, and irresistible.
Finish with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm.
Presentation
Serve these stuffed shells straight from the baking dish while the cheese is still gooey. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and freshness. For a cozy dinner, pair them with garlic bread and a simple green salad.
You can also add a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving for that classic restaurant-style finish.
Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
- 🔥 Kcal: 520 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 5 servings
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are the kind of meal people remember. They’re rich, comforting, and full of familiar flavors that make everyone feel at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a beautiful way to bring warmth to the table.