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–+ servings
Benjamin

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe is a must-try dish!

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!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stuff the Shells:Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture.
  6. Assemble Dish:Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

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