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(Delicious, Cheesy & Comforting – Perfect for Family Meals or Make-Ahead Freezer Dinners!)
Introduction: A Classic Italian-American Comfort Dish You’ll Love
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dinner, beef stuffed shells might just be your new favorite go-to recipe. These jumbo pasta shells are packed with a savory ground beef and cheese mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting guests, feeding a family, or stocking up on freezer meals, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and comfort.
Today, I’ll show you exactly how to make beef stuffed shells from scratch. The result? A rich, cheesy, meaty dish that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavor. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize, freeze-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Beef Stuffed Shells
• Comfort food at its best – rich beef, melted cheese, and cozy tomato sauce
• Freezer-friendly – make ahead and save time during busy weeks
• Kid-approved & picky-eater friendly
• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and Sunday dinners
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy beef stuffed shells recipe:
For the filling:
• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
For the dish:
• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Extra mozzarella & Parmesan for topping
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
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Step-By-Step: How To Make Beef Stuffed Shells
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. You want them firm enough to hold the filling without tearing. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix the cooled beef with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined and creamy.
3. Fill the Shells
Using a spoon or piping bag, gently stuff each shell with the beef and cheese filling. Don’t overfill – about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per shell is perfect.
4. Assemble the Dish
Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, open side up. Pour more marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
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Tips for Success
• Don’t overcook the pasta – they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Make it spicy – add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a kick.
• Add vegetables – spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini go great inside the filling.
• Double the batch – freeze half for a future no-fuss dinner.
Freezing & Reheating Instructions
To freeze: Assemble the dish but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen: Remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45–50 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
What to Serve with Beef Stuffed Shells
Pair these hearty shells with:
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A crisp Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine (for adults!)
Final Thoughts
This beef stuffed shells recipe is a total game-changer when you need something cozy, satisfying, and downright delicious. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for entertaining. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day – if you have any!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these shells are bound to become a family favorite. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them again and again.