Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Beef-Stuffed Shells. This recipe is everything you want in a hearty family meal—tender pasta shells filled with a savory ground beef and ricotta mixture, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and baked under a glorious layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to assemble. Whether you need a standout dish for a Sunday dinner or a comforting meal for a busy weeknight, this recipe is your new go-to. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a future family favorite.
We’ve perfected this classic dish to ensure it’s packed with flavor and comes out perfectly every time. Forget dry, bland fillings; our version is juicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Beef-Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and savory marinara sauce creates a rich and balanced flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfectly Cheesy: With a trio of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—every bite is a wonderfully cheesy delight.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that kids and adults will devour. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. For another guaranteed family hit, try our Cheesy Hamburger Casserole.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, or freeze a batch for a delicious meal on a night when you don’t have time to cook.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Shells
The magic of this dish lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Beef-Stuffed Shells.
For the Filling and Pasta:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are the star of the show, providing the perfect vessel for our delicious filling.
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 85/15 or 90/10 for a rich flavor without excess grease.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy, luscious texture to the filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that essential cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation that builds a deep, savory flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a touch of freshness and color.
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite high-quality jarred sauce to save time, or use a homemade version if you prefer.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple way to add classic, aromatic herbs.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and beef.
How to Make Beef-Stuffed Shells (Step-by-Step)
Making these cheesy beef stuffed shells is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Cook the Shells
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. You want them firm enough to hold their shape during stuffing. Once cooked, drain them carefully and set them aside. It’s a good idea to cook a few extra shells, as some may tear during the process.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
While the shells are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, the beaten egg, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Now for the fun part! Gently hold a cooked pasta shell in one hand and use a small spoon to fill it with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been lightly coated with a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips for The Best Stuffed Shells
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the shells just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Season Every Layer: Be sure to salt your pasta water and season both the beef filling and the sauce for the most flavorful outcome.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own mozzarella and Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Looking for another cheesy delight? Try these Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders (coming soon).
- Let It Rest: Allowing the baked stuffed shells to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving helps them set up, making them easier to serve and allowing the flavors to meld.
Fun Variations to Try
While this classic beef-stuffed shells recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.
- Different Meats: Try using ground Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken instead of beef.
- Add Veggies: Mix in some finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the filling for an extra nutritional boost.
- Creamy Sauce: Swap the marinara for a creamy Alfredo or a rosé sauce for a different flavor profile. Our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta (coming soon) is another great saucy option.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
These beef-stuffed shells are perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day!
Freezing for Later
To freeze, assemble the dish completely in a freezer-safe baking dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, you can bake it from frozen. Just add about 20-30 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat a larger amount, place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese (we recommend blending it first for a smoother texture) or a cream cheese mixture lightened with a little milk or cream. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Beef-stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, and a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
To freeze, assemble the dish completely in a freezer-safe pan but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved these stuffed shells, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other popular dinner recipes. Give them a try and let us know what you think!
We hope you love this Beef-Stuffed Shells recipe as much as we do! It’s a true labor of love that pays off with every single cheesy, savory bite. If you make this dish, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. For more delicious recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest!
Beef-Stuffed Shells Recipe
Beef-Stuffed Shells (The Ultimate Cheesy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo shells according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While shells cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Top the shells with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Extra Cheesy: Feel free to add more cheese on top if you're a true cheese lover!
