Name: Beefy Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 6 oz.); 1 Tbsp. cooking oil; 1 small onion, minced; 1 lb. lean ground beef; 1 tsp. salt; 1 (15 oz.) container whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning; 2 tsp. garlic powder; 1 (24 oz.) jar prepared marinara sauce, divided; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you have to try these Beefy Stuffed Shells. Perfectly tender jumbo pasta shells are loaded with a rich, flavorful mixture of caramelized ground beef, creamy ricotta, and Italian herbs, all nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce and topped with bubbly, golden mozzarella. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or wanting to impress guests with something both hearty and delicious. Once you taste these Beefy Stuffed Shells, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and maybe even planning to make them again next week.

Beefy Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that you likely already have on hand and that come together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta shells to the savory beef filling and the luscious cheese that binds it all.

Jumbo pasta shells (20 shells, about 6 oz.): These are perfect for holding the everything filling and making each bite satisfying.
Cooking oil (1 Tbsp.): Helps sauté the onions and beef without sticking or burning.
Small onion, minced: Adds sweet, aromatic depth that complements the beef.
Lean ground beef (1 lb.): The star protein that brings hearty flavor and texture.
Salt (1 tsp.): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Whole milk ricotta cheese (15 oz.): Brings creamy richness and balances the savory meat.
Egg, lightly beaten (1): Acts as a binder for the filling, ensuring it stays intact inside the shells.
Dried Italian seasoning (2 tsp.): A blend of herbs adding classic Italian flavor.
Garlic powder (2 tsp.): Adds a warm, fragrant punch without overpowering the dish.
Prepared marinara sauce (24 oz., divided): Provides a tangy, saucy base that keeps everything moist.
Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Melts beautifully to give the dish that irresistible gooey topping.

How to Make Beefy Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, making sure to add salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Boil the jumbo shells until they are al dente, which means they should be tender but still hold their shape when handled. Once ready, drain and set them aside to cool slightly so you can fill them without breaking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

While the pasta cooks, heat your cooking oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and cook until it softens and gives off a sweet aroma, around two minutes. Then add the ground beef and salt, stirring occasionally until the meat is fully browned and caramelized. This browning step adds a deep, savory flavor that really makes the filling special. After cooking, drain any excess fat and let the beef cool for a moment.

Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until everything is well mixed. Add the cooled ground beef to this mixture and stir gently but thoroughly, making sure all the flavors meld together wonderfully. Give the filling a quick taste and add extra salt, pepper, or garlic powder if you feel it needs a little more punch.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F to get it ready for baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil, and then spread 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. This sauce layer will keep the shells moist and infuse them with tangy, tomato goodness.

Step 5: Stuff and Arrange the Shells

Carefully fill each jumbo shell with about one heaping tablespoon of the beef and ricotta mixture. Nestle the stuffed shells side-by-side in the sauce-filled baking dish, making sure they fit snugly. If you have any leftover filling, sprinkle it around the shells on top of the sauce to add extra flavor throughout the dish.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese Topping

Spoon a little of the remaining marinara sauce over each stuffed shell. This seals in moisture while baking. Next, evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of all the shells. This cheese will brown slightly and create that irresistible golden crust when baked.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil that’s been lightly greased on one side. Bake the shells for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling hot. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts completely and starts to turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, take the dish out of the oven and serve immediately for a piping hot experience.

How to Serve Beefy Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan also complements the mozzarella beautifully and adds a salty bite that pairs perfectly with the beef and ricotta filling.

Side Dishes

These Beefy Stuffed Shells are a hearty meal on their own, but they also play wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables to help balance the richness. Crusty Italian bread on the side is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the Beefy Stuffed Shells in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation at dinner parties. Alternatively, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of pesto over the baked shells for a flavorful twist that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Beefy Stuffed Shells, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor and texture wonderfully for up to 3 days, giving you an easy and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Place the fully assembled, unbaked stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen by adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time and keeping the dish covered for the first part.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover loosely to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just cook it the same way as the beef, making sure it’s fully browned before mixing with the cheese and seasonings.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta shells before stuffing?

Yes, cooking the pasta shells until al dente ensures they are soft enough to hold the filling without breaking but still firm enough to maintain their shape after baking.

Can I make these Beefy Stuffed Shells vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or lentils to the ricotta mixture for a hearty and delicious alternative.

What’s the best way to prevent the shells from sticking together?

Make sure to gently toss the cooked shells with a little olive oil after draining. This keeps them from sticking while you prepare the filling and assemble the dish.

How can I make the beef filling more flavorful?

Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef to boost the depth and add a subtle kick to the filling.

Final Thoughts

Beefy Stuffed Shells are one of those classic comfort foods that never disappoint, combining simple ingredients with a big punch of flavor and satisfying texture. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something homemade and heartwarming without too much fuss. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to dishes that everyone asks for again and again.

Beefy Stuffed Shells Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Beefy Stuffed Shells is a hearty Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, ricotta cheese, and seasonings, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and offers a satisfying balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors.

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until they are al dente. Drain the shells and set aside.
Prepare Beef Filling: While the pasta cooks, heat cooking oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef and salt to the skillet with the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well browned and caramelized. Remove from heat, drain any excess fat or liquid, and transfer the beef to a large plate to cool slightly.
Mix Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine whole milk ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture well, then add the cooked ground beef. Mix everything together thoroughly. Taste and season with additional salt, black pepper, or garlic powder as desired.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Spread 2 cups of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Stuff Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with about one heaping tablespoon of the beef and ricotta filling. Arrange the stuffed shells side by side in rows in the marinara sauce in the baking dish. If there is any leftover filling, sprinkle it around the shells in the sauce.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the shells and sauce.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with a large piece of aluminum foil (grease one side of the foil with cooking spray or oil and have the oiled side facing down onto the food).
Bake Initial: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove Cover and Bake More: Remove the foil and continue baking an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and serve the beefy stuffed shells immediately, enjoying the cheesy, savory flavors while hot.

Notes

Do not overcook shells when boiling; they should be al dente to hold the filling without falling apart.
For a richer filling, use whole milk ricotta; low-fat ricotta may change the texture slightly.
Season the filling mixture carefully—taste before adding extra salt or spices to balance flavors.
Leftover beef filling can be used in other recipes such as lasagna or stuffed peppers.
You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking straight from fridge.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American