This baked dish uses big pasta shells filled with cheese and beef. It warms the home and feeds a family. You can also try creamy beef and shells if you like a softer sauce or extra cheese.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe when you want a warm meal that pleases most people. You can cook it in one dish. It has meat, cheese, and sauce. It fills kids and grown ups. If you like bold beef flavor, see this ground beef philly cheesesteaks for another idea.

how to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

You cook pasta shells first. You cook the beef with onion and garlic next. You mix ricotta with a little salt and pepper. You put the cheese mix in each shell. You set shells in a baking dish. You cover with sauce and top with cheese. You bake until the cheese looks golden. Do not over bake. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before you serve.

Ingredients :

Jumbo pasta shells
Ground beef
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Marinara sauce
Parmesan cheese
Garlic
Onion
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning

Note: You can use the same ground beef you use in other meals, like this beef stew, if you want a rich taste.

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, then place them in a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting family dinner! For a different main or side idea, you can pair with a stew or dumpling plate like beef stew with dumplings.

how to serve Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Serve the shells hot from the oven. Add a green side or a light salad. You can add roasted vegetables on the side, such as roasted brussels sprouts with beef, or simple steamed veggies. Put extra Parmesan on the table for people who want more.

how to store Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Cool the shells to room temperature. Cover them with foil or put them in a tight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before you reheat.

tips to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Don’t overcook the shells. Cook them just until al dente.
Drain the meat well to avoid a watery sauce.
Use fresh garlic and onion for real flavor.
Mix the ricotta well so it is smooth and easy to spoon into shells.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking so the sauce sets.

variation (if any)

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
Add chopped spinach to the ricotta for more greens.
Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a new taste.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Stuff the shells and cover them. Keep them in the fridge up to one day before baking.

Q: Can I skip the meat?
A: Yes. Use sautéed mushrooms or more vegetables to make it meat free.

Q: How do I reheat without drying the shells?
A: Add a bit of sauce and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: You can, but ricotta gives a creamier texture. If you use cottage cheese, drain it first.

Q: Do I need to thaw frozen shells before baking?
A: Thaw in the fridge overnight for best heat. You can bake from frozen, just add time and keep covered.

Conclusion

If you want another take or a full step-by-step guide, see the detailed recipe on Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef – Real Food Whole Life.

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef