Overview
This dish fills big pasta shells with meat and cheese. It feels warm and home made. You can make it on a week night or for a small party. For a creamy twist, try a similar dish like creamy beef and shells for another idea.
Why make this recipe
You make this recipe because it feeds a group and tastes good. Kids like the cheese. You can make it ahead and bake when you need it. If you like beef in many dishes, check a bold sandwich idea like ground beef Philly cheesesteaks for dinner change.
How to make Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
You cook shells, then fill them with a beef and cheese mix. You lay shells in a dish with sauce and bake. You can use a store sauce or make your own. For tips on braising and slow cook ideas, see a simple stew note like beef stew ideas.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
You can check another hearty mix that adds dumplings at beef stew with dumplings for more ideas.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to serve Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Serve hot from the oven. Use a large spoon to lift each shell. Offer extra sauce on the side. Add a green salad and warm bread. For a plate that pairs well, see a simple beef side idea like beef stew side.
How to store Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Cool the leftovers to room temperature. Cover the dish with foil or put in a tight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also freeze the shells for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before you reheat.
Tips to make Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
- Use lean ground beef to cut fat.
- Do not overcook shells; they will finish in the oven.
- Mix the cheese and egg well so filling holds.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to set.
- For more cooked beef ideas, try this hearty option: beef stew with dumplings.
Variation (if any)
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for more spice.
- Add chopped spinach to the filling for color and veg.
- Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina.
- Make a white sauce instead of marinara for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use small shells?
A: Yes, but you will need more shells and more sauce. Cook time may not change much.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the shells, cover, and keep in the fridge for a day. Bake when you want.
Q: How do I reheat frozen shells?
A: Thaw in the fridge. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 25–35 minutes.
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
A: Yes. Use the same steps but watch for a leaner mix and add a bit of oil if it seems dry.
Q: Do I need to drain the beef?
A: Yes. Drain excess fat so the shells do not get soggy.
Conclusion
For another good version of this idea, see Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef – Real Food Whole Life.
Print
Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use lean ground beef to cut fat, and do not overcook the shells as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
