A Hearty Italian Comfort Food Classic
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner? These Beef Stuffed Shells are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this dish is a true family favorite that tastes like it took all day to make. Whether you are meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting a casual dinner party, these jumbo pasta shells are guaranteed to disappear in seconds. It is time to ditch the takeout and bring a warm, Italian-inspired feast straight to your kitchen table!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
📝 Ingredients List
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 24 oz marinara sauce (ensure no alcohol or pork ingredients)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pasta pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions, but subtract 2 minutes to keep them slightly al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Beef: While the pasta boils, add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 🥘
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Stuff each shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in the dish. ✨
- Bake: Top with the remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly!
💡 Pro Tips Section
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
- Freezing: This dish freezes perfectly. Assemble, freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen (add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cook time).
Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your ground beef while it browns for a subtle kick.
- Add Veggies: Sauté finely diced spinach or mushrooms with the ground beef to sneak in extra nutrients.
FAQ
Can I use a different meat? Yes! This recipe works beautifully with ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
Is there a way to make this without eggs? You can omit the egg; it acts as a binder, but the ricotta will still hold its shape fairly well without it.
Print
Beef Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
These Beef Stuffed Shells are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this dish is a true family favorite that tastes like it took all day to make. Whether you are meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting a casual dinner party, these jumbo pasta shells are guaranteed to disappear in seconds.
Ingredients
12 oz jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean)
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
24 oz marinara sauce (alcohol-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions; drain and cool.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, drain excess grease, and stir in minced garlic for 1 minute.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix the cooked beef into the cheese mixture.
Preheat oven to 375°F and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Stuff each shell with the beef and cheese filling and arrange in the dish.
Top with remaining marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Ensure your marinara sauce is free from any alcohol or pork products. You can prep these ahead and keep them in the refrigerator before baking. Serve with a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 4-5 stuffed shells
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg