Description
Cheesy, savory, and ultra-satisfying! These Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are filled with a hearty beef and ricotta mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. A family favorite perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners!
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Cook Pasta Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.Prepare Beef Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and remove from heat.Mix Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.Stuff the Shells:
Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture.Assemble Dish:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Freezing Option: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Variations: Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for ground beef. Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Perfect with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American