The aroma of stuffed shells with ground beef wafts through the kitchen, tantalizing taste buds and igniting memories of family dinners gone by. With every bite, you experience a warm embrace of flavors that remind you that comfort food is truly a love language.
These delightful pasta pockets, filled with savory ground beef and creamy cheese, are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these stuffed shells never fail to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal everyone will adore
- Visually stunning, these shells are sure to impress your guests at any dinner table
- They are versatile enough to be customized with different fillings or sauces based on your preferences
I remember the first time I made stuffed shells with ground beef for my friends. Their delighted faces were priceless as they dug in with gusto!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose sturdy shells that can hold plenty of filling without breaking during cooking.
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty filling; it balances flavor without excess grease.
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Ricotta Cheese: Opt for creamy ricotta; it adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella provides gooeyness; sprinkle generously for that melty top layer!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor; don’t skip this for an extra punch!
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce; it’s essential for moisture and flavor.
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Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Basil): Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s flavor profile; chop them finely to mix into the filling.
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Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): Simple seasonings enhance all the flavors in this comforting dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before cooking jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and browned. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly before mixing with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, herbs, and seasonings.
Stuff the Shells: Take each cooled shell and gently fill it with the savory mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Fill generously but avoid overstuffing to prevent spills during baking.
Layer with Marinara Sauce: Spread half of your marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells seam side up on top of the sauce before covering them entirely with remaining marinara.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Garnish & Serve!: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh herbs over your creation. Serve immediately while hot; watch as everyone dives in!
Enjoying stuffed shells with ground beef is not just about eating; it’s about creating connections over shared meals that warm both heart and stomach!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting classic that can easily impress
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
- Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds; they’re that good!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your ground beef until browned, then mix in seasonings while boiling pasta shells until al dente. Assemble the dish by filling each shell with the beef mixture and layering on sauce before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, sauté garlic and onion before adding ground beef; this builds a richer base
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate your dish further
- Ensure pasta shells are not overcooked to avoid tearing during stuffing
Sharing my first experience making stuffed shells was quite the adventure! I accidentally used too much garlic, but everyone loved it—garlic breath and all!
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for stuffed shells with ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as alternatives in this recipe.
How do I prevent my stuffed shells from sticking together?
Make sure to coat them lightly with sauce before stacking to keep them separate.
What can I serve with stuffed shells?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with stuffed shells for a complete meal.
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6 (2 stuffed shells per serving) 1x
Description
Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all smothered in marinara sauce. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also customizable to suit various tastes. With every bite, indulge in the warmth and nostalgia of homemade comfort food.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly. Mix with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with the beef mixture. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish; place stuffed shells seam side up on top and cover with remaining sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or add spinach to the filling. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for a cheesier finish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.