Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• The Perfect Comfort Food
• Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Shells
• How to Make the Best Stuffed Shells
• Serving Suggestions & Pairings
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal, these Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are the perfect dinner recipe. Packed with rich flavors, creamy cheese, and a savory marinara sauce, this dish is ideal for family meals, special occasions, or weeknight dinners. In this guide, I’ll share why this meal is a staple in my home, tips for making it extra delicious, and the best ways to serve it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are everything you want in a comforting pasta dish. The combination of tender pasta shells, seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese makes this an instant classic. Plus, it’s a dinner recipe that’s easy to make ahead, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly.

The Perfect Comfort Food

Pasta dishes have always been a go-to for comforting and filling meals. This stuffed shells recipe is no exception. The rich, savory beef filling combined with creamy ricotta and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this meal delivers every time.

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Shells

The secret to making the best stuffed shells starts with high-quality ingredients. Here are some of the key components:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for holding the beef and cheese filling.
• Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Brings creaminess to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a deep, flavorful tomato base.
• Parmesan & Mozzarella: The ultimate combination for melty, cheesy goodness.

How to Make the Best Stuffed Shells

Follow these simple steps for the most delicious stuffed shells:

• Cook the pasta shells: Boil them until al dente, then let them cool before stuffing.
• Prepare the beef filling: Brown the ground beef with onion, garlic, and seasonings.
• Mix the cheese filling: Combine ricotta, Parmesan, and part of the mozzarella.
• Assemble the dish: Stuff each shell, place in a baking dish with marinara sauce, and top with more cheese.
• Bake to perfection: Cover with foil and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad. For a special occasion, consider pairing them with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when preparing stuffed shells and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the pasta shells: Slightly undercook them to prevent them from falling apart while stuffing.
• Not draining the beef properly: Too much grease can make the filling soggy.
• Skipping the seasoning: Make sure to season every layer for maximum flavor.
• Not covering the dish while baking: Covering with foil for the first half of baking prevents the cheese from burning.

Notes & Tips

For a twist on this recipe, try using ground turkey instead of beef, or add some spinach to the cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking.

Looking for more dinner recipes like this? Visit Patricia Universe for more delicious and comforting meal ideas.

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Enjoy these hearty stuffed shells filled with savory ground beef and rich ricotta cheese, baked to perfection in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: butter swim biscuits easy recipes, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, chicken stirfry easy recipe, dinner recipes, easy recipes, easy recipes ninja creami, recipes for dinner

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
5. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
7. Add the cooked beef mixture to the ricotta mixture and stir until well combined.
8. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
9. Stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture, then arrange in the baking dish.
10. Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
12. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For a variation, try using ground turkey instead of beef. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.