Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is the kind of cozy comfort food that warms both your heart and stomach. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich, cheesy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, then nestled in a savory ground beef marinara sauce. Topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly, the result is a mouthwatering, hearty meal that’s as satisfying to serve as it is to eat.
This recipe is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without a lot of effort. The beefy tomato sauce complements the creamy cheese filling perfectly, and every bite feels indulgent yet approachable. Pair it with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast that’s budget-friendly and crowd pleasing.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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24 jumbo pasta shells (about 8 oz.)
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½ Tbsp cooking oil
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½ lb. ground beef chuck
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½ yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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24 oz. marinara sauce
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2 Tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Cheese Filling:
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15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
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1 large egg
Directions
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Prep the Pasta:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Boil a large pot of salted water, then cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside. -
Make the Meat Sauce:
In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer 3–5 minutes. -
Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well until smooth. -
Assemble the Dish:
Spread half the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 1 heaping tablespoon of the cheese mixture and place into the dish. -
Final Steps:
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until bubbling. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Kcal: 566 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 (about 4 shells per serving)
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
When it comes to hearty, soul-satisfying meals, few dishes rival the cozy indulgence of Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef. This Italian-American classic delivers everything we love about comfort food—warmth, cheese, sauce, and a generous helping of nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, and guarantees smiles at the dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, preparing meals in advance for the week, or hosting a casual dinner for friends, stuffed shells have all the makings of a go-to recipe: easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and flexible enough for all kinds of dietary preferences. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish so special, how you can make it your own, and why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
The Origins and Evolution of Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a staple of Italian-American cuisine, though you won’t find them on many traditional Italian menus. The dish takes inspiration from classic pasta al forno (baked pasta) traditions, where pasta is layered or filled with cheese and sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. What sets stuffed shells apart is the use of jumbo pasta shells (conchiglioni), which are perfect little vessels for holding rich, creamy fillings.
In Italy, you might find similar concepts using cannelloni or manicotti, but in the United States, stuffed shells rose in popularity in the mid-20th century as a more accessible, home-friendly variation. Jumbo shells became widely available in grocery stores, and the dish quickly gained favor among home cooks for being easy to assemble, affordable, and satisfying enough to feed a crowd.
Why We Love Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
There’s no shortage of baked pasta recipes out there lasagna, ziti, manicotti but stuffed shells offer a unique experience. Each shell is its own perfect bite: tender pasta on the outside, luscious cheese in the center, all smothered in a flavorful meat sauce. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, tangy, and just a bit indulgent.
Adding ground beef to the traditional cheese filling brings extra heartiness to the dish. The beef marinara sauce provides depth and protein, making this recipe more filling than its vegetarian counterparts. The result is a balanced dish that feels both wholesome and luxurious a one-pan wonder that requires minimal cleanup but delivers maximum flavor.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Magic
One of the most convenient features of stuffed shells is how well they adapt to meal prep. You can fully assemble the dish ahead of time up to 24 hours in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an ideal option for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings when you want to do most of the work beforehand.
To make it ahead, just prepare the filling, stuff the shells, and arrange them in a baking dish with the sauce. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s still cold from the fridge.
Stuffed shells also freeze beautifully. Assemble the entire dish in a disposable foil tray or freezer-safe container, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. It’s the perfect backup meal for busy days or unexpected guests.
Customization Ideas: Make It Yours
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. While the classic version features a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan paired with a seasoned ground beef tomato sauce, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Vegetarian Version
Simply skip the beef and use your favorite marinara sauce for a fully vegetarian stuffed shell. You can also add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or finely chopped zucchini to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
Add Some Heat
Spice lovers can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or mix a bit of crushed Calabrian chili into the cheese filling for a bold kick.
Protein Swaps
Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can be used in place of ground beef. For a leaner option, go meatless entirely or use plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Cheese It Up
Beyond the traditional trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, consider incorporating fontina, provolone, or even cream cheese for added creaminess. Just make sure the cheeses melt well and complement the sauce.
Fresh Herb Upgrades
A sprinkle of fresh basil or thyme added after baking brings brightness to the dish and a touch of freshness that elevates every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed shells are a meal on their own, but pairing them with a few simple sides can turn an ordinary dinner into a full Italian feast. Here are a few ideas to round out your table:
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside, soft inside—perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad offers a refreshing contrast.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus balance the richness of the pasta.
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Red Wine or Sparkling Water: For a little indulgence or elegance, a glass of red pairs well, or opt for sparkling water with lemon.
This dish also makes an excellent option for serving at gatherings. Simply double the batch and use two baking pans one to serve and one to save.
Family-Friendly and Budget-Wise
Another reason this dish shines? It’s extremely budget-friendly. A little ground beef goes a long way, and the main ingredients pasta, cheese, and sauce are pantry staples in many homes. This makes it an economical choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort.
Kids love it, too. The individual shells are fun to eat and can be portioned easily. If you’re cooking for picky eaters, you can even set aside a few plain cheese-filled shells without sauce for a milder version.
A Dish Worth Coming Back To
There are certain recipes that become fixtures in our kitchens meals that we reach for on hectic weeknights, that we serve to loved ones, that we turn to when we need warmth and familiarity. Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is one of those recipes. It’s a dish that feels like home, even if you’ve never made it before.
It’s simple enough for beginners but satisfying for seasoned home cooks. It’s flexible, forgiving, and nearly foolproof. And most importantly, it brings people together around the table.
Conclusion:
In a world filled with ever-evolving food trends and fast-paced meals, the enduring charm of Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is a reminder that sometimes, the classics are best. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t require special equipment or rare ingredients. But it delivers comfort, flavor, and heart bite after bite.
Whether you’re serving it to kids after soccer practice, prepping it for a freezer-friendly weeknight dinner, or plating it for a cozy date night in, this dish always hits the spot. Try it once, and it just might become a tradition in your kitchen too.