Go Back
Stuffed Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

Stuffed Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

This Stuffed Shells With Ground Beef Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Made with pasta shells, seasoned beef, ricotta, and marinara, it’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 5 To 6 Servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet or pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch recommended)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

For the pasta and filling:

  • 20 –24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the cheese mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

For the sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the pasta shells

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

Step 2: Prepare the beef filling

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the cheese mixture

  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine filling

  • Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Assemble the dish

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
  • Carefully stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in the dish. Once all shells are filled, pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.

Step 6: Bake

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

  • Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Keyword Stuffed Shells With Ground Beef Recipe