Ground Beef Stuffed Shells

Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 large pasta shells; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Recipes

I love making Ground Beef Stuffed Shells for family gatherings because they're always a hit! These shells are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, stuffed with a savory beef mixture and smothered in marinara sauce. Preparing this dish offers a wonderful opportunity to involve your loved ones in the kitchen, making it not just a meal but a collaborative experience. Each bite is a burst of flavor that brings everyone together, and it's comforting to know that a hearty meal is just around the corner.

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:21:36.647Z

When I first tried making Ground Beef Stuffed Shells, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying the dish turned out to be. The rich flavors of the seasoned beef combined with creamy ricotta and tangy marinara sauce create a comforting balance. I remember the first time I served it to my family; the joy on their faces was priceless. Paying close attention to seasoning the beef makes all the difference in elevating the overall dish.

One little tip I learned is to cook the shells just until al dente; this ensures they hold their shape when stuffed and baked. I also love adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking for that melty, golden finish. It’s those small details that take the dish from good to great!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously rich beef and cheese filling
Perfectly coated with marinara sauce
A dish that brings everyone together

Essential Ingredients and Their Roles

The star of Ground Beef Stuffed Shells is the ground beef, which provides a rich, hearty flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy cheeses. When selecting beef, aim for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. The fat content helps create a juicy filling that doesn’t dry out during baking, ensuring each shell bursts with flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be substituted, but be mindful of the need to season them more generously for flavor enhancement.

Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture, blending seamlessly with the seasoned beef to create a luscious filling. I recommend using whole milk ricotta for optimal creaminess. In contrast, if you want a lighter version, low-fat ricotta is a decent alternative but may yield a firmer texture. Complementing this is the addition of mozzarella and Parmesan, which enrich the dish with their melty goodness during baking, bringing a satisfying stretch and flavor that marries the beef and pasta.

Perfecting the Stuffing Process

Stuffing the pasta shells can be a bit tricky if you're not careful. A quick tip is to use a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to fill the shells quickly and neatly. This helps prevent tearing and ensures that each shell is uniformly filled. Make sure to stuff each shell generously, but don’t overfill them, as they will expand slightly during baking, and you don't want them to burst. A heaping tablespoon of filling per shell usually does the trick.

When arranging the shells in the baking dish, ensure they are laid in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the sauce to circulate effectively, preventing any shells from becoming too dry. After topping with marinara sauce, remember to cover the pan with foil to keep moisture in during the initial baking time. This step helps the shells heat evenly; remove the foil in the final 5-10 minutes for that deliciously golden cheese.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are great for meal prep! You can assemble them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. If making ahead, consider slightly undercooking the pasta shells during the boiling phase, as they will continue to cook in the oven when reheating. This will help maintain the desired texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring into a freezer-safe container. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen. This makes them a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your flavorful stuffed shells.

Ingredients

12 large pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you've gathered your ingredients, you're ready to start stuffing those shells!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfectly stuffed shells.

Prepare the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well.

Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.

Add Sauce

Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy with fresh parsley!

Pro Tips

Make sure not to overcook the shells
al dente is ideal. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the meat mixture. You can also mix in sautéed vegetables for a healthier twist!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Ground Beef Stuffed Shells, a fresh garden salad is a perfect complement. The crispness of the salad paired with your favorite vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish, balancing the hearty flavors. You could also offer some garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce, elevating the overall dining experience.

For a fun twist, consider topping the stuffed shells with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat, or drizzling with a little balsamic reduction for added acidity and depth of flavor. This can really elevate the dish and make it feel restaurant-worthy right at home!

Common Troubleshooting Tips

One common issue encountered when making stuffed shells is the filling leaking out during baking. To prevent this, ensure that you seal them well when stuffing and use just the right amount of filing—not too much that it oozes out. Additionally, ensuring your pasta is not overcooked initially can help; they should remain relatively firm to hold their shape.

If you find that the sauce is becoming too thick during baking, simply add a splash of water or broth to the baking dish before covering it. This will create steam, helping to cook the pasta without drying out the shells and ensuring a deliciously saucy finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

→ Can these be prepared in advance?

Yes! You can stuff the shells and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and other veggies, and use a plant-based cheese.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven or microwave.