Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine sinking your fork into a giant pasta shell filled to the brim with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese that just melts in your mouth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone abandon their diet and waddle over like a moth to a flame.
This dish has been my go-to for family dinners since I was knee-high to a table. My siblings would race each other to devour these beauties before they were even fully plated! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a casual get-together with friends, these stuffed shells never fail to impress. Trust me; everyone will be begging for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells come together quickly, making mealtime stress-free
- The rich flavors create an unforgettable experience for your taste buds
- With vibrant colors and cheesy goodness, they’ll steal the show at any dinner table
- Versatile enough to be customized based on your preferences or dietary needs
I recall one memorable family gathering when my mom made these shells. The laughter echoed around the table as my uncle tried to fit more than one shell in his mouth at once – it became an instant family legend!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo-sized shells; they’re perfect for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease but still full of flavor; you can also substitute turkey if you prefer.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté it until soft for the best results.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse amazing flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic addition!
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta binds everything together; look for whole milk ricotta for extra richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A generous amount of mozzarella on top creates that golden bubbly crust we all love.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs elevates the dish; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks later.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir until aromatic—around 1 minute will do.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as you go. Drain excess fat if needed—aim for that scrumptious brown color!
Create the Filling Mixture: In a bowl, combine cooked meat mixture with ricotta cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix well until combined—this is where all that cheesy goodness comes together.
Stuff Those Shells: Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the meat mixture using either a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy—make them nice and plump!
Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish before arranging stuffed shells neatly on top. Pour remaining sauce over them and sprinkle mozzarella generously.
Bake Until Bubbly: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes so cheese gets golden brown.
Now sit back while they bake—a delicious aroma will fill your kitchen that might have neighbors knocking on your door!
Enjoy every bite of your hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells! They are sure to become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine!
You Must Know
- These hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells are perfect for family dinners; they combine comfort with flavor
- The aroma of baked cheese wafting through your kitchen will make everyone gather around the dinner table
- Plus, they are great for meal prepping and freezing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then prepare the beef filling while it cools. Bake everything together until golden brown for the best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach to the filling. Customize the sauce with herbs or spices to make it your own!
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 for optimal taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a good quality cheese for stuffing; it melts beautifully and enhances flavor
- Don’t overfill, or they might burst during baking
- Let them rest before serving to set properly and improve texture
Sharing my first attempt at making these beef-stuffed shells was a disaster—thankfully, my family loved them anyway!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a tasty alternative.
How do I prevent pasta shells from sticking together?
Toss cooked shells in olive oil before filling to keep them separated.
Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells before baking?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and bake straight from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a mouthwatering combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, making them the ultimate comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion until translucent; add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, draining excess fat if needed.
- In a bowl, mix cooked beef with ricotta cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish, place the stuffed shells on top, then pour remaining sauce over them and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg