Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells are a warm and delicious meal that everyone loves. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with seasoned beef and a tasty cheese mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and more cheese. It’s comfort food at its best!

Why Make This Recipe

This dish is great for family dinners or gatherings. It’s filling, easy to make, and can feed a crowd. Plus, kids and adults alike enjoy the cheesy goodness. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it later, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

How to Make Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

20 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and stir well.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Serve the stuffed shells warm, straight from the oven. They pair nicely with a simple garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.

Tips to Make Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente since they will bake in the oven.
Customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs or veggies to the beef mixture.
For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking.

Variation (If Any)

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use spinach or mixed vegetables in the cheese filling for a delicious twist.