Last updated on March 17th, 2025 at 03:15 pm
Table of Contents
The Recipe
Beef Stuffed Shells
This Beef Stuffed Shells recipe combines hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta filling, and tangy marinara sauce into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: beef stuffed shells, stuffed shells, italian pasta, beef pasta recipes, stuffed shell recipes, easy stuffed shells, dinner recipes, pasta dishes
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 450 kcal
Preparation Time: PT15M
Cooking Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H15M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons pesto (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Step By Step
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, seasoning it generously with salt. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside to prevent sticking.
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground beef, break into smaller pieces, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach (optional), mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pesto (optional), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce with beef over the shells. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Summary
This Beef Stuffed Shells recipe combines hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta filling, and tangy marinara sauce into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, extending the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or extra spinach.
For The Reading Lovers
As the air gets cooler and leaves change color, nothing beats a warm, comforting meal. This beef stuffed shells recipe is just that. It brings back childhood memories with its rich flavors and al dente pasta shells. It’s perfect for meal prep or family dinners, making everyone happy.
Key Takeaways
- Hearty and satisfying stuffed pasta dish made with ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese
- Perfect for meal prepping and feeding a crowd, as the recipe serves 8-9 people
- Convenient make-ahead and freezer-friendly option for busy weeknights
- Flavorful combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara sauce
- Customizable with various cheese and meat variations to suit your tastes
Introduction to Beef Stuffed Shells
Looking for a hearty, satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy? Try these beef stuffed shells. They’re a twist on traditional stuffed shells, with ground beef, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. It’s a great family-friendly meal or perfect for meal prepping and feeding a crowd.
Hearty and Satisfying Stuffed Pasta Dish
Ground beef takes the classic stuffed shells to a new flavor level. It adds a rich, savory taste that goes well with creamy ricotta and tangy marinara sauce. Whether as a baked pasta main course or a pasta casserole, these beef stuffed shells are a hit.
Perfect for Meal Prepping and Feeding a Crowd
This beef stuffed shells recipe is versatile. It’s easy to make a big batch, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. They’re a convenient, delicious choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
“These beef stuffed shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of the hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara sauce is simply irresistible.”
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe
Looking for a tasty and easy dinner for your family? This beef stuffed shells recipe is perfect. It’s great because you can make it ahead of time and even freeze it for later.
Convenience of Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
This easy stuffed shells recipe is a freezer-friendly meal that doesn’t lose its flavor. Just put everything together, cover it, and freeze it. When you’re ready, thaw it, cover it with foil, and bake for a bit longer. It’s perfect for quick dinners or when you have guests.
Flavorful Combination of Beef, Cheese, and Sauce
The magic of this recipe is in its mix of flavors and textures. The ground beef pasta filling, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce all come together. Each bite is a mix of savory and cheesy that everyone will love.
“The beef stuffed shells were a hit with my whole family! The perfect balance of flavors and so easy to prepare ahead of time.”
Ingredients for Beef Stuffed Shells
Creating jumbo pasta shells filled with a tasty mix is all about the ingredients. Let’s explore the main parts that make up this Italian dish.
Jumbo Pasta Shells: The Foundation
The base of this recipe is jumbo pasta shells, or conchiglioni in Italian. These large, curved shells are perfect for holding the filling. Make sure to pick jumbo shells, as they fit the filling best. Don’t use medium or large shells, as they won’t hold the filling right.
Ground Beef: For Hearty Protein
The ground beef is the main protein in the filling. I suggest using an 80/20 ground beef mix. This mix has enough fat and lean meat for a juicy, tasty filling without being too greasy.
Cheeses: Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan
To make a creamy ricotta cheese filling, you need good cheeses. Ricotta is the base, with mozzarella and Parmesan adding flavor and a melty texture. I chose part-skim cheeses for a lighter dish, but full-fat works too if you like.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious stuffed pasta dish that will wow everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making tasty beef-stuffed shells is simple! Just follow these easy steps to create a hearty pasta dish.
Boiling the Jumbo Pasta Shells
Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells. Cook them until they’re almost al dente. This helps them keep their shape when you fill them. Drain and let them cool a bit before you handle them.
Preparing the Beef and Marinara Sauce
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until it’s browned. Then, add your favorite marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to mix the flavors.
Making the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, spinach, salt, and some Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread half of the beef-marinara mixture in a baking dish.
- Fill the cooked pasta shells with the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Put the stuffed shells in the dish, then add the rest of the sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the beef-stuffed shells hot, with fresh herbs if you like.
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious beef-stuffed shells dish. It’s sure to please everyone!
Beef Stuffed Shells: The Key to Flavor
Importance of Seasoning and Fresh Herbs
Creating flavorful stuffed shells starts with seasoning and fresh herbs. Pesto is the secret ingredient that makes the ricotta filling taste amazing. You can make your own or buy a good one. It adds garlic and basil flavors.
Season the ground beef and ricotta well with salt and pepper. This brings out the best in the ingredients. Also, using fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds a fresh touch to the pasta dishes.
- Pesto adds delightful garlic and basil notes to the ricotta filling
- Generous seasoning of the ground beef and ricotta mixture with salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be used to garnish the finished dish for an extra pop of freshness
” The key to a truly mouthwatering stuffed shell dish is achieving the perfect blend of seassonings and incorporating fresh herbs.”
By following these seasoning tips and adding fresh herbs, your flavorful stuffed shells will be a hit. They promise a satisfying and memorable meal.
Assembly and Baking
Getting the stuffed pasta assembly right is key to a tasty beef-filled stuffed shells dish. Start by covering the bottom of a baking dish with half of the beef-marinara sauce. This makes a tasty base for the arranging stuffed shells.
Fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with creamy ricotta cheese. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, making sure they’re spread out. Finish by topping with the remaining sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking for Perfectly Melted Cheese
Cover the dish with foil and bake until the cheese melts and the filling is hot, about 40-45 minutes. For the last 5-10 minutes, remove the foil. This lets the cheese get browned and bubbly, adding a perfect cheesy finish.
By following these steps, you’ll make delicious beef stuffed shells everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for making ahead and has amazing flavors from the melted cheese topping.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Beef stuffed shells are a hearty and satisfying pasta dish. They pair well with many side dishes. To make a classic Italian meal, serve them with a simple green salad and warm, crusty garlic bread.
Garlic Bread and Salad Pairing
The creamy, cheese-filled shells are tasty alone. But, crunchy garlic bread and a refreshing salad balance the rich flavors. You can even freeze garlic bread ahead of time for an easy side dish.
For the salad, choose a classic Italian mix. Use fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is light and crisp, contrasting nicely with the hearty pasta.
| Side Dish Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Adds a crispy, garlicky crunch to complement the creamy shells. |
| Green Salad | Offers a refreshing, palate-cleansing contrast to the rich pasta. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Provides a colorful, nutritious side that balances the indulgence of the stuffed shells. |
| Sautéed Spinach or Kale | Adds a fresh, earthy element to the meal and complements the cheese and beef filling. |
Pairing beef stuffed shells with a simple green salad and garlic bread makes a classic Italian meal. It’s satisfying and well-balanced.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This beef stuffed shells recipe is super versatile. You can make these make-ahead meals and freezer-friendly recipes for busy nights or big gatherings. Prepping the stuffed shells ahead of time is a huge time-saver.
To freeze the dish unbaked, just put it all together. Cover it with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding 10-15 minutes.
Stuffed shells can also be frozen after baking. Put them in a container or bag and freeze for 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until hot.
Pasta, sauce, and cheese freeze well, making stuffed shells perfect for a make-ahead meal. You can freeze the whole casserole or the shells separately. This gives you flexibility to enjoy this tasty dish whenever you want.
Variations and Substitutions
This hearty beef stuffed shells recipe can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and taste buds. For a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes instead. The rich and creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese filling will still be the star of the show.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can swap the traditional jumbo pasta shells for a gluten-free alternative. Make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. The sauce and cheese fillings are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easily adaptable to your dietary needs.
Feel free to get creative with your fillings and sauces. Try using ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a combination of meats for a unique flavor profile. You can also swap the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo or a flavorful pesto sauce to change up the taste. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this versatile stuffed shells dish.
FAQ
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This beef stuffed shells recipe is great for making ahead. You can freeze it unbaked. Just put the whole casserole in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it as instructed, adding 10-15 minutes to the time.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Just skip the ground beef and add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms. The cheese filling will still be tasty.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells. Or, swap the shells for a gluten-free pasta shape. The sauce and cheese are already gluten-free.
Can I freeze the baked and cooled stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze the baked shells. Let them cool, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, store them in a container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
What is the secret ingredient that adds tons of flavor to the ricotta filling?
Pesto is the secret ingredient. It adds garlic and basil flavors to the ricotta. Use homemade or store-bought pesto for the best taste.
What size pasta shells should I use for this recipe?
Use jumbo pasta shells for this recipe. They’re also called conchiglioni in Italian. These large shells are perfect for stuffing with the beef and cheese.
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