Name: Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Stuffed shells with ground beef are one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. There’s just something about the combination of tender pasta, rich meaty filling, and gooey melted cheese that makes this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s a meal that brings warmth to the table, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests with a hearty, home-cooked dinner.

I love how versatile stuffed shells are—you can tweak the filling to your liking, add different cheeses, or even sneak in some veggies without compromising the rich, savory flavors. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and bake when you’re ready, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Comfort Food at Its Best – This dish is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the shells in advance and bake them when needed.
Great for a Crowd – This recipe makes a generous portion, perfect for feeding a family or guests.
Customizable – Swap in different meats, cheeses, or sauces to suit your preferences.
Leftovers Taste Even Better – The flavors meld overnight, making it an excellent meal for reheating.

What Type of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

For stuffed shells, you’ll want to use jumbo pasta shells (also known as conchiglioni). These large shells are designed to hold a generous amount of filling, making them perfect for this dish. When boiling them, be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become too soft and fall apart when stuffing. If you can’t find jumbo shells, you could use manicotti or cannelloni tubes as an alternative, though they require a slightly different stuffing method.

Options for Substitutions

Meat Variations

Instead of ground beef, try using Italian sausage for a spicier kick or ground turkey for a leaner option.
You can also mix ground beef and pork for an extra depth of flavor.

Cheese Alternatives

Classic stuffed shells use ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, but you can substitute cottage cheese for a lighter option.
If you love bold flavors, add some pecorino romano or a touch of goat cheese.

Sauce Choices

Marinara sauce is the go-to, but you can switch it up with homemade tomato sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a meat sauce for a heartier dish.
Want a little spice? Try mixing in some arrabbiata sauce for a touch of heat.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Sneak in some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Finely chopped bell peppers or carrots blend well with the meat filling.

This dish is super flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste and dietary needs!

Ingredients for This Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Jumbo Pasta Shells

These large shells serve as the perfect vessel for holding the delicious filling. Cook them al dente to ensure they don’t tear while stuffing.

Ground Beef

The star of the filling, ground beef provides a rich, savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease or mix it with other meats like sausage for more depth.

Ricotta Cheese

This creamy cheese adds a smooth texture to the filling, balancing out the heartiness of the beef. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use cottage cheese instead.

Mozzarella Cheese

Melted mozzarella creates that signature gooey, cheesy topping that makes this dish so comforting. It also helps bind the filling together.

Parmesan Cheese

A touch of Parmesan enhances the overall flavor with its nutty, salty taste. It’s great for sprinkling on top before baking.

Egg

Egg helps bind the cheese and beef mixture together, ensuring the filling stays inside the shells when baking.

Marinara Sauce

A rich tomato sauce adds moisture and tangy depth to the dish. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own for a homemade touch.

Garlic & Onion

These aromatics give the filling extra flavor. Sautéing them before mixing into the beef enhances their sweetness and depth.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme brings classic Italian flavors to the filling and sauce.

Fresh Parsley

Used for garnish and mixed into the filling, parsley adds a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside on a baking sheet so they stay intact for stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Once the meat mixture has cooled slightly, stir it into the cheese mixture. This creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Be generous, but don’t overfill them, as they need to hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well covered.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the stuffed shells cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, and serve warm with your favorite side dish.

How Long to Cook the Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Stuffed shells need about 35 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). Here’s the breakdown:

First 25 minutes – Covered with foil to allow the shells to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Last 10 minutes – Uncovered to let the cheese melt and get slightly golden brown on top.

Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the shells al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Overcooking can make them too soft and prone to breaking.

2. Use a Piping Bag or Spoon for Filling

For easier stuffing, use a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) to fill the shells neatly. A spoon works too, but it can be messier.

3. Let the Meat Cool Before Mixing with Cheese

Adding hot beef to the cheese mixture can cause the egg to scramble. Let the meat cool slightly before combining.

4. Add Extra Sauce to Prevent Dryness

Make sure to spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to keep the shells moist and flavorful.

5. Cover with Foil for Even Baking

Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps the shells stay tender and prevents the cheese from burning.

6. Customize the Filling

Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or even chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

7. Make It Ahead of Time

Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a quick and easy dinner.

8. Broil for a Crispy Cheese Top

For a golden, bubbly finish, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overcooking the Pasta

If you cook the shells too long, they become too soft and may tear when stuffing. Cook them al dente so they hold their shape.

2. Filling the Shells While the Meat is Too Hot

Hot meat can cause the cheese mixture to become runny and make stuffing harder. Let the beef cool slightly before mixing it with the cheese.

3. Skimping on the Sauce

Not using enough sauce can make the shells dry. Be generous with marinara to keep them moist and flavorful.

4. Overfilling the Shells

Too much filling can make the shells difficult to handle and cause them to burst open while baking. A heaping spoonful per shell is usually enough.

5. Forgetting to Cover While Baking

Skipping the foil in the first baking stage can dry out the dish and prevent even cooking. Always bake covered for the first 25 minutes, then uncover to let the cheese melt and brown.

6. Not Letting the Dish Rest Before Serving

Giving the shells 5 minutes to cool allows the flavors to settle and prevents burns from piping-hot cheese.

7. Using Low-Quality Cheese

Good-quality mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta make a difference. Pre-shredded cheeses often have additives that prevent proper melting.

8. Skipping Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds freshness and brightness that balances the richness of the dish.

What to Serve with Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor, this is the perfect side to scoop up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.

4. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, lightly seasoned broccoli dish adds a nice balance without overpowering the flavors of the stuffed shells.

5. Antipasto Platter

A mix of cured meats, olives, and cheeses makes for a fun Italian-style appetizer to enjoy before the main meal.

6. Italian Sausage

For an extra protein boost, serve stuffed shells with grilled or pan-fried Italian sausage on the side.

7. Minestrone Soup

A warm bowl of classic Italian minestrone pairs beautifully with the richness of the shells.

8. Bruschetta

Fresh tomato bruschetta with basil and balsamic glaze is a light and flavorful starter that complements the pasta.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

If you have leftover stuffed shells, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Freezing for Later

Stuffed shells freeze beautifully! You can freeze them before or after baking:

Unbaked: Assemble the dish as directed but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, covered for the first half.
Baked: Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in portions or as a whole. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or microwave single servings.

Make-Ahead Tip

If you want to prep ahead but don’t want to freeze, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just bake when ready!

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)**

(Approximate values based on a standard recipe with ground beef and cheese.)

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 850mg

For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey, part-skim ricotta, and reduced-fat mozzarella.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Stuffed Shells Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

2. Do I Have to Use Ricotta Cheese?

Not necessarily. You can substitute cottage cheese for a lighter option or mix in cream cheese for extra richness.

3. How Do I Prevent the Shells from Breaking?

Cook them al dente and rinse with cold water immediately after draining. This stops the cooking process and keeps them firm.

4. Can I Make This Dish Without Meat?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.

5. How Can I Add More Flavor to the Filling?

Try mixing in fresh basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth. Using Italian sausage instead of beef can also add more flavor.

6. Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells?

Yes! You can freeze them before or after baking. If unbaked, cook from frozen at 375°F for about an hour, covered for the first half.

7. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for best results. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep the shells from drying out.

8. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or cannelloni tubes. Just fill them the same way and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells with ground beef are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own every time.