There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about baked pasta, especially when it’s filled with creamy cheese and hearty meat. These oven-baked stuffed shells are the perfect mix of comfort and elegance, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even casual entertaining. The tender jumbo shells act as edible pockets, filled with a luscious mixture of savory ground beef and smooth ricotta, balanced with herbs, and topped off with layers of melty mozzarella and rich marinara sauce.
This dish brings the cozy warmth of an Italian kitchen right into your home. You can easily prepare the components ahead of time—boil the shells, prep the filling, or assemble everything for baking the next day. It’s customizable too: feel free to swap beef for ground turkey or add spinach to the filling for a veggie boost.
Served with a fresh salad or crusty garlic bread, this is one of those meals that tastes like it took all day—but it’s ready in about an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a solid meal prep option, these beef-stuffed shells check all the boxes: rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
🧀 Ingredients (shuffled for flavor variety):
For the Filling:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
For the Shells & Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
🍽️ Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until just al dente. Drain and lay them out on a tray so they don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Beef:
Sauté ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Once the beef mixture has cooled, fold it into the cheese mixture until well blended.
4. Stuff the Shells:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Fill each shell with the beef and cheese mixture, arranging them closely in the dish.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
Top with chopped parsley or basil. Enjoy warm with your favorite side salad or garlic bread.
🥗 Nutritional Insight & Dietary Considerations:
This dish offers a hearty mix of protein from the ground beef, a good amount of calcium and fats from the cheeses, and slow-digesting carbs from the pasta. It’s a balanced comfort meal, though it is rich in dairy and may not be suitable for those avoiding lactose or following low-fat diets. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and leaner ground meat like turkey. Vegetarians can omit the meat and double up on cheese or add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for texture.
💬 Sharing and Commenting is Caring
If this recipe brought smiles to your table, don’t keep it to yourself! Share your delicious creation on social media or drop a comment below. Tried a twist, like adding spinach or switching up the cheese? We’d love to hear how it turned out. Let’s inspire each other to cook more joyfully!