Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-inspired dinner loaded with tender jumbo pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella. Every bite is packed with savory flavor and gooey cheese, making this dish a family favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. The shells bake in a blanket of marinara sauce until bubbly and golden, creating a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the shells and rinse them gently with cool water. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Transfer the cooked beef to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Add the ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the marinara sauce, water, oregano, and basil. Spread about half of the sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Once all the shells are filled, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the shells.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates an irresistible dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Rich, cheesy, and packed with savory beef flavor, these Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are guaranteed to become a regular favorite at your dinner table! 🧀🍝✨🍅