When you think of the perfect comfort food, there’s a good chance that Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells come to mind. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. They’re ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. This dish is loaded with flavor and sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings for a hearty, cheesy meal.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making these irresistible Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells from scratch. It’s a perfect balance of juicy ground beef, creamy cheese, and a zesty marinara sauce. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also easy to prepare. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are a rich, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds: tender pasta and a filling that’s both creamy and savory. What makes this dish stand out?

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. With just a few staples, you can whip up a delicious, filling dinner.
Versatile: You can make these shells ahead of time, freeze them for later, or even substitute the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe makes enough to feed a family or guests. The combination of cheesy goodness and hearty beef is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

To make these Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells, you will need the following ingredients:

20 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

How to Make Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente—typically 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the brand. Afterward, drain the shells and set them aside to cool. It’s essential to not overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Then, add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until browned. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

While the beef mixture is cooling slightly, prepare the cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice). Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Once your beef mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the cheese mixture and stir until the filling is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Don’t be afraid to really pack the filling into each shell!

Step 5: Top and Bake

Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for that melty, golden finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the top to become bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheesy filling set so it doesn’t spill out when you cut into it. Serve your Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad, and enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Don’t Overstuff the Shells: While it’s tempting to pack the shells to the brim, overstuffing them can make the pasta shells break during baking. A little bit of the filling goes a long way, so don’t worry if you don’t use every last bit of the mixture.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top of the baked shells for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Freezing Option: If you want to prepare the dish in advance, you can assemble the Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven (you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time).
Try Ground Turkey: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well as ground beef in this recipe.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells provides approximately 400 calories, depending on portion size. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for family meals or dinner parties.

Nutritional Breakdown:

Calories: 400 per serving
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

While these shells may not be the lowest-calorie dish, they certainly hit the spot when you’re looking for something filling and comforting. With the combination of beef and cheese, it’s a well-rounded meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes:

These recipes also feature hearty pasta dishes, filled with savory flavors and creamy textures, perfect for those who love comfort food!

FAQs About Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta for this dish, though jumbo shells are the traditional choice for stuffing. If you don’t have jumbo shells on hand, manicotti or conchiglie (large pasta shells) are great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the size and shape of the pasta you choose. Keep in mind that the pasta should be large enough to hold the cheesy beef filling without falling apart.

Q2: Can I make these Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe can be prepped ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. To make ahead, you can assemble the shells, cover the baking dish tightly with foil, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into a preheated oven and bake as directed. If you’re freezing them, be sure to cover them well, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a little extra time to ensure they are fully heated through.

Q3: What can I serve with Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells?

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are filling on their own, but you can easily round out the meal with a few tasty sides. For a classic pairing, serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the marinara sauce. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing contrast. You can also serve roasted vegetables like zucchini or a side of sautéed spinach for added color and nutrition. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet or a cheesecake could be the perfect way to end the meal.

Q4: How long will Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells last in the fridge?

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To reheat, you can either microwave them or bake them in the oven until they are heated through. If you want to prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating, cover it with foil and add a little extra marinara sauce before warming it up. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months and reheat them as needed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are the epitome of comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. With easy-to-follow steps and a relatively short prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family meal. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a crowd, these stuffed shells will not disappoint. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, cheesy dish that everyone will love!

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells – Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Author: Admin-MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings (3–4 shells each) 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are a comfort food dream—filled with savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

20 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the beef mixture and stir until well blended.
Stuff Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup marinara in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with filling and arrange in the dish.
Top & Bake: Pour remaining marinara over shells and sprinkle with more mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze stuffed shells before baking for up to 3 months.
Try ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Add spinach or chopped basil for extra freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 shells
Calories: 495 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells, baked pasta shells, beef ricotta shells, ground beef pasta bake