Beef-Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. As I prepare this recipe, I can’t help but think about the rich history behind stuffed pasta, which has roots in Italian cuisine. This dish not only showcases the versatility of pasta but also highlights the heartiness of beef, making it a favorite among families and friends alike.

What I love most about Beef-Stuffed Shells is their incredible taste and texture. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a savory beef mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, they are convenient to make, allowing for easy meal prep and leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!

Ingredients:

12 large pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Beef Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Once the beef and onion mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.

Making the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. This will create a creamy and flavorful filling.
Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Season the filling with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Beef-Stuffed Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the shells from sticking.
Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overfill them; just a generous spoonful will do. Place the filled shells seam-side up in the baking dish.
Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Make sure to cover all the shells to keep them moist while baking.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.

Baking the Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the shells cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit and make it easier to serve.

Serving the Beef-Stuffed Shells

Using a spatula, carefully serve the stuffed shells onto plates. I like to garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
These beef-stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container
Conclusion:
In summary, these Beef-Stuffed Shells are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their family or friends with a delicious and hearty meal. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with savory beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a comforting dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or add in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and make it your own! Whether you serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Beef-Stuffed Shells turned out and any creative twists you added. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking! Print
Beef-Stuffed Shells: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

Enjoy a comforting dish of Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, filled with a delicious blend of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients

Scale
12 large pasta shells

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions

### Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

**Description:**
Indulge in these hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!

—

**Ingredients:**
– 12 large pasta shells
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

—

**Instructions:**

**1. Preparing the Pasta Shells:**
– Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
– Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.

**2. Preparing the Beef Filling:**
– In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
– Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
– Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

**3. Making the Cheese Mixture:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until creamy.
– Stir in the cooked beef and onion mixture until well combined.
– Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.

**4. Assembling the Beef-Stuffed Shells:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the dish.
– Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

**5. Baking the Dish:**
– Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
– Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**6. Serving the Beef-Stuffed Shells:**
– Serve the stuffed shells on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
– Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!

—

**Notes:**
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

—

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Yield:** 4 servings
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Beef-Stuffed Shells: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner