Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Serves 6
These beef-stuffed pasta shells are filled with a rich ricotta-beef mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. A hearty comfort meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1–1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta shells in salted water until slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil, add garlic, then cook ground beef until browned. Stir in 1 cup marinara, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let cool.
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and a spoon of the beef mixture in a bowl.
- Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange in the baking dish.
- Top with remaining marinara, beef, and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hrs before baking.
- Use lean beef or swap with turkey for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, mix spinach or mushrooms into the filling.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approx. 600 calories • 32g protein • 40g carbs • 32g fat
Conclusion
This Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is cheesy, hearty, and comforting. Perfect to enjoy with a fresh salad and garlic bread.