Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Hearty and Cheesy Delight

Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are a classic Italian-American comfort dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a flavorful ground beef and cheese mixture, topped with rich marinara sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, as it’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and loaded with cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian dishes or just looking for a new way to enjoy ground beef and pasta, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.

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Ingredients for Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

This recipe is made with simple, readily available ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Pasta Shells:

• 1 box (12 oz) Jumbo Pasta Shells
• 1 tbsp Salt (for boiling water)

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a little heat)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• Salt & Pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• Fresh Basil or Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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How to Make Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain and Cool: Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shells, as they will continue cooking in the oven.

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Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and beaten egg. Stir well to form a creamy, cheesy filling.

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Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season the Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Tip: If you want a more homemade touch, use fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic to create your own marinara sauce.

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Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill the Shells: Using a spoon, stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
3. Layer in a Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top.
4. Cover with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover with Foil: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
3. Uncover and Broil: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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Tips for the Best Stuffed Pasta Shells

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts much better.
2. Don’t Overfill the Shells: Leave a little room in each shell so they don’t burst when baking.
3. Use a Piping Bag for Easy Filling: If you find stuffing the shells difficult, transfer the beef and cheese mixture into a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off.
4. Let the Dish Rest: Allow the pasta shells to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together.

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Variations of Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

You can customize this recipe in many ways to suit different tastes:

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes and a bit of hot sauce to the beef filling.
• Three-Cheese Blend: Use a combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella for an extra creamy filling.
• Vegetable-Packed: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the beef for added nutrition.
• Mexican-Inspired: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and use enchilada sauce instead of marinara.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is not just delicious, but also:

• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a batch and refrigerate or freeze them for later.
• Great for Family Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone loves.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit different tastes.
• Easy to Make: Though it looks fancy, it’s simple enough for home cooks of all skill levels.

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How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Pasta Shells

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

To freeze, place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes.

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Conclusion: A Must-Try Italian Classic

Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells is a rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings together the best of pasta, beef, and melted cheese in one bite. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner, a family get-together, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this recipe today, and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s both hearty and irresistible!