The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a hug from an old friend. Imagine these Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells bubbling away in a rich tomato sauce, their cheesy tops glistening invitingly as they wait to be devoured. The moment you dig into one of these beauties, you’ll be transported to a world where every bite is a flavor explosion that warms your heart.

I remember the first time I made this dish—my friends were skeptical at first. “Stuffed pasta? Is that really a thing?” they asked. But as soon as they tasted those tender shells bursting with seasoned beef and melted cheese, all doubts melted away just like the cheese on top. It became our go-to dish for cozy gatherings and movie nights—perfect for sharing laughs and spoonfuls of joy.

Every time I serve these pasta shells, my family goes wild over them. They can’t get enough of the rich flavors and cheesy goodness

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Opt for large shells; they hold the filling perfectly and make eating them feel like a gourmet experience.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor; nobody likes a greasy shell
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and balances the savory flavors beautifully.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting quality; trust me, it’s worth it
• Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce brings everything together with its tangy sweetness.
• Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aromatic freshness that elevates the dish.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth without overpowering; feel free to adjust according to taste.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip these little powerhouses of flavor

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Pasta: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente—no one wants mushy shells! Drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat while enjoying that sizzle sound—music to your ears! Stir in garlic powder and onion powder for flavor.

Mix in Cheeses: Once your beef is cooked through, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella with the beef mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stuff Those Shells: Take each cooked shell and generously fill it with the beef-cheese mixture using a spoon (or your hands if you’re feeling adventurous). Place them snugly into a greased baking dish.

Cover with Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells until they’re swimming in deliciousness. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top because more cheese is always better.

Bake Until Golden: Cover the baking dish with foil (to keep all that moisture in) and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown—a sight worth drooling over

Serve hot, sprinkle fresh basil on top for garnish, and watch everyone fall in love at first bite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef while your pasta cooks; then layer the sauce over stuffed shells for a flavorful feast.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about family dinners where these pasta shells stole the show, leaving my guests asking for seconds—and sometimes thirds

FAQ

Can I prepare these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them and store them covered in the fridge overnight.

What can I serve with beef-stuffed pasta shells?

A fresh side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.

How long do these pasta shells take to bake?

Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting dish featuring large pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, smothered in marinara sauce for a delightful family meal.

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Ingredients

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• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic and onion powders.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella with the beef mixture; season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef-cheese mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 250g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg