Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells Loaded With Flavor

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

This Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for an easy dinner. Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, these pasta shells are baked in a rich tomato sauce.

Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe combines convenience with hearty flavors. It can easily feed a family and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Easy Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe

These stuffed shells are generously filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese, then covered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. The recipe takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and cook, serving about 4-6 people.

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Mix Cheeses: In a bowl, combine the cooked beef with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Stuff the Shells: Preheat the 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, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.