If comfort food had a Hall of Fame, Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells would be a first-ballot inductee. Picture this: jumbo pasta shells overflowing with a rich, cheesy beef filling, all baked under a blanket of marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian grandmother’s house (even if you don’t have one). Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, trust me—this recipe is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
This dish isn’t just about pasta and cheese—it’s about indulgence. It’s about that first forkful of perfectly seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella wrapped in tender pasta.
Is this Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells recipe for you? Let’s see. These stuffed shells are…
- Cheesy and creamy – A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes the filling irresistibly rich.
- Savory and satisfying – The seasoned beef adds a deep, hearty flavor.
- Perfectly saucy – Every bite is smothered in warm, comforting marinara sauce.
- Great for meal prep – Make them ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Family-friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!
Ingredients in Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Here’s why this dish is packed with flavor:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect vessel for holding all that cheesy, meaty goodness.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic, building the flavor base.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness that enhances the filling.
- Garlic Cloves: Because no Italian-inspired dish is complete without it.
- Ground Beef: Brings richness and heartiness to the filling.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme for classic Italian flavors.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese: Makes the filling creamy and delicious.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible melty, stretchy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite to the filling.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling together for the perfect texture.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s break down how to make this mouthwatering dish:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion with a pinch of salt and pepper until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Stir in the cooled beef mixture.
- Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then cover with the remaining sauce.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the filling set.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells?
Make this meal even better with these serving ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Because you’ll want something to scoop up all that extra sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a colorful side.
- Extra Parmesan: A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan never hurts!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Tips & Variations
Want to make this dish even better? Here’s how:
- Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and freshness.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the beef for a little heat.
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.
- Freeze for Later: Assemble the stuffed shells and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
- Double the Cheese: If you love extra-cheesy pasta, mix more mozzarella into the filling!
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are everything you want in a comfort meal rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’re sure to be a hit.
Try them out, and let me know how they turn out in the comments. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- ½ lb jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce divided
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the beef filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add onion, salt, and pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef; break into chunks and cook until browned.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and 1 cup spaghetti sauce. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and beaten egg.
- Add this mixture to the beef filling and combine.
- Assemble the dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Spread the remaining 1 cup spaghetti sauce evenly at the bottom.
- Fill each jumbo shell with the beef-cheese mixture and arrange in the pan.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
