Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef! Jumbo shells overflow with a rich, savory beef and cheese filling, nestled in marinara and crowned with golden melted cheese. Each forkful is like a warm hug, blending classic Italian flavors with irresistible textures.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef comes from a lineup of staple ingredients that work together to create mouthwatering harmony. Every component brings something special—flavor, texture, color, and that classic Italian comfort vibe.

• Jumbo pasta shells (24): These sturdy shells are the ideal vessel, holding in plenty of hearty filling without falling apart.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A gentle sauté in olive oil sets a fragrant base and helps the onion and garlic shine.
• Onion, finely chopped (1): Adds sweet depth and a bit of bite to the filling—don’t skip it!
• Garlic cloves, minced (2): For irresistible aroma and authentic Italian flavor.
• Ground beef (1 pound): Savory, rich, and satisfying; the backbone of your filling.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essentials for bringing out every ingredient’s best.
• Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): This herb gives the filling a fragrant, earthy lift.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle whisper of heat.
• Marinara sauce (2 cups): Silky, tangy sauce cradles everything in bold tomato flavor.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mild, it creates that dreamy, cloud-like stuffing.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Half goes inside, half melts to glorious gooeyness on top.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds sharp, nutty notes to both filling and topping.
• Egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture so everything bakes up light and cohesive.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings brightness and a splash of color—plus, it makes the dish look irresistible!

Variations

One of my favorite things about these Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is just how easy it is to tweak them! Whether you need to accommodate dietary preferences or simply want to use what’s on hand, there’s a version for everyone.

• Swap in Italian sausage: Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for an extra punch of flavor and a subtle spice.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or finely chopped spinach for hearty, meat-free shells.
• Cheese lovers’ delight: Mix in shredded provolone, fontina, or asiago for even more melty, cheesy goodness inside and on top.
• Add greens: Chop up some spinach or kale and fold it into the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients and a splash of green.

How to Make Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get a big pot of salted water boiling. Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente—you want them tender but still sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. Drain them gently and lay them out on a baking sheet or drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prep the filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and slightly golden, then toss in the garlic for another minute—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, and (if you like a little kick) the red pepper flakes. Cook everything together, breaking up the meat, until the beef is nicely browned. Drain off any extra fat.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a roomy bowl, stir together ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley. Once your cooked beef filling has cooled a bit (so you don’t scramble the egg), mix it right in. You’ll have a rich, creamy, and just slightly savory stuffing that’s impossible to resist sampling right out of the bowl!

Step 4: Assemble the Shells

Spoon half the marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish for a flavorful base. Stuff each shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture and line them up (snug but not too crowded) in the dish. Drizzle the rest of the marinara over the shells and finish with a lush blanket of mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes—this lets all the flavors mingle and meld. Then remove the foil for the final 10 minutes and watch that cheese go golden and bubbly! Once done, let your Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef rest for a few minutes so everything sets up and slicing is easier.

How to Serve Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or fresh basil over the piping hot shells. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty kick and a glossy drizzle of good olive oil right before serving makes every plate shine. Sometimes, I love a little lemon zest for brightness too!

Side Dishes

Pair your Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef with a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, and you’re good to go! Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up extra sauce. Steamed or roasted green veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the shells on a large platter for a family-style centerpiece, or plate two or three shells per serving for an elegant dinner party look. Tuck in edible flowers or basil sprigs for color, or use individual ramekins to make everyone feel a little extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shells are a joy! Store them covered in the fridge for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, and the sauce keeps them from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the dish (hold off on the final cheese layer if possible) and cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Perfect for meal prep or new-baby gifts!

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep things wonderfully moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table for a pan of homemade Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef—every bite feels like a celebration of comfort and care. Give this recipe a try, share it with the ones you love, and watch it become a family favorite in your home just like it is in mine!

Print