Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Opening the oven door to the enticing aroma of stuffed pasta shells bubbling in a savory sauce is an experience that encapsulates comfort and satisfaction. These Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef are not only easy to make but come together in about an hour, offering a delightful blend of textures with chewy pasta, creamy ricotta, and savory beef. This recipe works beautifully because the filled shells soak up the rich flavors while baking, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead. You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance, allowing you to simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy filling complements the tender pasta perfectly.
• Italian seasoning brings a robust flavor to each bite.
• Hearty and filling, it’s a meal that satisfies all ages.
• Quick to assemble, making it a weeknight winner.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious meal.

For the shells and filling

• ½ pound jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce (for filling)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten

For the assembly

• 1 cup spaghetti sauce (for the baking dish)
• Extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese for topping

Note: Use any leftover sauce for dipping.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey for ground beef
• Cottage cheese for ricotta
• Gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free option
• Fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your stuffed pasta shells.

1️⃣ Prepare the pasta shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Arrange the shells on a baking sheet to dry.

2️⃣ Cook the beef filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the Italian seasoning and 1 cup of spaghetti sauce. Set aside to cool slightly.

3️⃣ Prepare the cheese mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined. Add the slightly cooled beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

4️⃣ Assemble the dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom. Fill each pasta shell with the cheesy beef mixture, using a spoon to pack it tightly. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.

5️⃣ Top and bake

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan cheese over the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, uncover during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

6️⃣ Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: microwave on medium for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure pasta shells are al dente to prevent them from breaking when stuffing.
• Avoid overcooking the beef to keep it juicy.
• Let the assembled dish cool slightly before garnishing to prevent wilting.
• Add spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad.
• Ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.