Stuffed Pasta Shells

As you bite into a warm, cheesy stuffed pasta shell, the flavors of rich ground beef and creamy ricotta blend beautifully, creating a comforting meal that is simply irresistible. This stuffed pasta shells recipe takes about an hour from start to finish but is well worth the time for its delicious results. The combination of textures—from the tender pasta shell to the gooey melted cheese—ensures it will become a new family favorite.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead. You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal later on.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Each shell is generously filled with a hearty ground beef and cheese mixture.
• The melty mozzarella on top creates a delightful, gooey texture when baked.
• It can easily be made ahead and warmed up later, saving you time.
• Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic garnish that enhances every bite.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your stuffed pasta shells.

For the Shells

• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups marinara sauce

For the Seasoning

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Fresh basil for garnish

Note: Any ground meat or meat substitute can work in this recipe.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef can be replaced with turkey or chicken.
• Ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Marinara sauce can be swapped with any pasta sauce you prefer.
• Mozzarella can be omitted for a lower-calorie version.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your stuffed pasta shells.

Cook the pasta

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Brown the beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Mix the filling

In a bowl, mix cooked beef, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the shells

Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, ensuring they are filled generously.

Prepare the baking dish

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top.

Add sauce and cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake covered

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Bake uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze before baking for optimal results.
Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use jumbo pasta shells to hold more filling and sauce.
• Make sure to season the beef generously for maximum flavor.
• Let the shells cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Feel free to add sautéed spinach or other vegetables to the filling for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara.
• Great for weekend family gatherings or potluck dinners.