Stuffed Pasta Shells

Indulging in a warm plate of cheesy, savory stuffed pasta shells is one of life’s simple pleasures. This dish combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a delightful mixture of seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy with its amalgamation of textures and flavors.

Stuffed Pasta Shells is perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or when you’re in the mood for Italian comfort food. Feel free to prep the stuffed shells ahead of time or store the leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Each bite is a hearty mix of tender pasta and flavorful beef filling.
• The gooey melted mozzarella adds a delightful stretch and creaminess.
• It comes together quickly, making it an easy dinner solution.
• This dish is easily customizable based on your favorite toppings or fillings.

What You’ll Need

Gather these fresh ingredients to make stuffed pasta shells a reality.

For the Pasta

• 12-15 jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

For the Sauce and Topping

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

For Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Use low-fat ground beef for a lighter option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey can replace ground beef.
• Cottage cheese works in place of ricotta.
• Use any cheese blend instead of mozzarella.
• Gluten-free pasta shells are an option for dietary needs.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to bring your stuffed pasta shells to the table.

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot when your stuffed shells are ready.

Cook the pasta

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.

Combine filling ingredients

In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the shells

Spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each pasta shell, ensuring they are generously filled.

Prepare the baking dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top.

Add sauce and cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining parmesan cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure pasta shells are slightly undercooked to prevent overcooking after baking.
• Mix the filling thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
• Use a spoon to generously fill each shell for a satisfying bite.
• Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
• Enjoy as a comforting dish on family movie night.