Beef Stuffed Shells Flavorful and Easy Recipe Guide

by Sophia on February 27, 2025

Beef stuffed shells are a delicious and simple meal that anyone can make. In this guide, I’ll share how to create this comforting dish step-by-step. You’ll find ingredient lists, cooking tips, and even variations to suit your taste. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and turn you into a stuffed shell master!

$To make beef stuffed shells, gather these key ingredients: - 12 large pasta shells - 1 pound ground beef - 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 garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a tasty and filling dish. The beef and cheese mix brings great flavor to every bite. You can add or swap ingredients to fit your taste. Here are some great options: - Spinach or kale for a veggie boost - Italian seasoning for more flavor - Red pepper flakes for heat - Different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda - Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch Feel free to explore and find what you love! If you don’t have something on hand, here are some swaps: - Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef - Cottage cheese for ricotta - Tomato sauce if you lack marinara - Egg substitute like flaxseed meal for a vegan option These substitutions keep your dish delicious. Cooking is all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try new things! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta. Cook the large pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes. You want them al dente, which means they should still be firm. Once done, drain the shells and let them cool a bit. This step is key. If they are too hot, you might burn your fingers when stuffing them. In a large skillet, heat your stove to medium. Add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it turns brown and is no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any extra grease. This helps keep your dish from being too oily. In a bowl, mix the cooked beef with ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it looks creamy and delicious. Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Now, take your stuffed shells and place them seam-side up in the dish. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This stops the cheese from burning. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves to add color and flavor. Enjoy! When you stuff your shells, use a small spoon. This helps control how much filling goes in. Make sure to pack the filling gently but firmly. If you overfill, the shells can break. Use a tray to hold the shells while you fill them. This keeps them steady and makes cleanup easier. Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. Cover your dish with foil for the first part of baking. This keeps the shells moist. Remove the foil towards the end to let the cheese brown. Keep an eye on the cheese; you want it bubbly and golden, not burnt. Serve the shells on a large platter. Drizzle some extra marinara sauce around the dish for color. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a nice finish. Add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven and avoid being mushy. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some chopped onions and garlic in the beef before mixing in the cheese. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free option, you can change the filling. Use cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of beef. You can also add beans for protein. A mix of ricotta and cottage cheese gives a creamy texture. Be sure to season it well. Adding garlic, onion, and herbs enhances the flavor. You can still use marinara sauce on top for a tasty finish. For those who love heat, try adding spices to the beef. Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the ground beef while cooking. You can also use spicy sausage instead of beef for a different kick. Topping the shells with pepper jack cheese gives a spicy twist. Serve with a side of hot sauce for extra spice. Cheese can change the taste of your stuffed shells. While mozzarella is classic, you can mix it up. Try adding gouda or fontina for a rich flavor. For a sharper taste, use aged cheddar or blue cheese. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste. Don't forget to sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for a golden crust. After you make your beef stuffed shells, let them cool. Cooling helps keep the taste fresh. Place them in a shallow dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. Store the dish in the fridge. You can keep them there for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, freeze them instead. To reheat your beef stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the shells out of the fridge. Place them in an oven-safe dish. Add a little marinara sauce on top to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil to trap the heat. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. If you want the cheese extra gooey, remove the foil for the last five minutes. Freezing is great for meal prep. First, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. This makes sure they freeze without sticking together. After that, transfer the shells to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make stuffed shells from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook 12 large pasta shells until tender. Drain and cool. 2. Prepare the Filling: Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Drain any fat. 3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. 4. Stuff the Shells: Use a spoon to fill each shell with the beef mixture. 5. Assemble: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam-side up. Pour more marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese. 6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. Each meat adds a unique flavor. You can also mix meats for a richer taste. Just make sure to cook the meat fully before mixing it with the cheese. Beef stuffed shells pair great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with a light dressing. - Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - A side of marinara sauce for extra flavor. These sides balance the meal and add freshness. Enjoy! This article covered how to make beef stuffed shells. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You learned about variations, storage, and answers to common questions. Perfecting stuffed shells gives you delicious meals and smiles. Happy cooking! Enjoy your tasty creations and share with loved ones.$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: This dish combines the heartiness of beef and the creaminess of cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love cheesy stuffed shells, making it a great meal for family gatherings.
Versatile Dish: You can easily customize the filling or sauce to suit your taste, adding veggies or different proteins for variety.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make beef stuffed shells, gather these key ingredients:

– 12 large pasta shells

– 1 pound ground beef

– 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 garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

These ingredients work together to create a tasty and filling dish. The beef and cheese mix brings great flavor to every bite.

Optional Ingredients for Customization

You can add or swap ingredients to fit your taste. Here are some great options:

– Spinach or kale for a veggie boost

– Italian seasoning for more flavor

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda

– Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch

Feel free to explore and find what you love!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

If you don’t have something on hand, here are some swaps:

– Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef

– Cottage cheese for ricotta

– Tomato sauce if you lack marinara

– Egg substitute like flaxseed meal for a vegan option

These substitutions keep your dish delicious. Cooking is all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try new things!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Pasta Shells

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta. Cook the large pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes. You want them al dente, which means they should still be firm. Once done, drain the shells and let them cool a bit. This step is key. If they are too hot, you might burn your fingers when stuffing them.

Cooking the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, heat your stove to medium. Add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it turns brown and is no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any extra grease. This helps keep your dish from being too oily. In a bowl, mix the cooked beef with ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it looks creamy and delicious.

Assembling and Baking the Dish

Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Now, take your stuffed shells and place them seam-side up in the dish. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This stops the cheese from burning. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves to add color and flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Stuffing Shells

When you stuff your shells, use a small spoon. This helps control how much filling goes in. Make sure to pack the filling gently but firmly. If you overfill, the shells can break. Use a tray to hold the shells while you fill them. This keeps them steady and makes cleanup easier.

Cooking Tips for Perfectly Baked Shells

Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. Cover your dish with foil for the first part of baking. This keeps the shells moist. Remove the foil towards the end to let the cheese brown. Keep an eye on the cheese; you want it bubbly and golden, not burnt.

Serving and Presentation Suggestions

Serve the shells on a large platter. Drizzle some extra marinara sauce around the dish for color. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a nice finish. Add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven and avoid being mushy.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some chopped onions and garlic in the beef before mixing in the cheese.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Variations

Vegetarian Alternatives

If you want a meat-free option, you can change the filling. Use cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of beef. You can also add beans for protein. A mix of ricotta and cottage cheese gives a creamy texture. Be sure to season it well. Adding garlic, onion, and herbs enhances the flavor. You can still use marinara sauce on top for a tasty finish.

Spicy Beef Stuffed Shells

For those who love heat, try adding spices to the beef. Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the ground beef while cooking. You can also use spicy sausage instead of beef for a different kick. Topping the shells with pepper jack cheese gives a spicy twist. Serve with a side of hot sauce for extra spice.

Different Cheese Combinations

Cheese can change the taste of your stuffed shells. While mozzarella is classic, you can mix it up. Try adding gouda or fontina for a rich flavor. For a sharper taste, use aged cheddar or blue cheese. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste. Don’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for a golden crust.

Storage Info

Proper Cooling and Storing Techniques

After you make your beef stuffed shells, let them cool. Cooling helps keep the taste fresh. Place them in a shallow dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. Store the dish in the fridge. You can keep them there for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, freeze them instead.

How to Reheat Leftovers

To reheat your beef stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the shells out of the fridge. Place them in an oven-safe dish. Add a little marinara sauce on top to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil to trap the heat. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. If you want the cheese extra gooey, remove the foil for the last five minutes.

Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep

Freezing is great for meal prep. First, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. This makes sure they freeze without sticking together. After that, transfer the shells to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make stuffed shells from scratch?

To make stuffed shells from scratch, follow these steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook 12 large pasta shells until tender. Drain and cool.

2. Prepare the Filling: Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Drain any fat.

3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

4. Stuff the Shells: Use a spoon to fill each shell with the beef mixture.

5. Assemble: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam-side up. Pour more marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. Each meat adds a unique flavor. You can also mix meats for a richer taste. Just make sure to cook the meat fully before mixing it with the cheese.

What can I serve with beef stuffed shells?

Beef stuffed shells pair great with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– A simple green salad with a light dressing.

– Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.

– Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

– A side of marinara sauce for extra flavor.

These sides balance the meal and add freshness. Enjoy!

This article covered how to make beef stuffed shells. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You learned about variations, storage, and answers to common questions.

Perfecting stuffed shells gives you delicious meals and smiles. Happy cooking! Enjoy your tasty creations and share with loved one

Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight

A delicious dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 large pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Take a pasta shell and fill it generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Repeat until all shells are filled.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve on a large platter with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce around it and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant touch.

Keyword baked, beef, cheese, Italian, pasta