Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Stuffed shells are a classic comfort food, and this Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef recipe takes the dish to a whole new level. The jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory ground beef mixture, combined with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and hearty meal. Topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, these stuffed shells are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Meat Lovers

With ground beef as the star ingredient, these stuffed shells are hearty and flavorful, making them perfect for meat lovers.

2. Cheese Galore

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, cheesy filling that perfectly complements the savory meat and marinara sauce.

3. Easy to Make

Despite looking like a fancy dish, stuffed shells are actually easy to prepare. The filling and assembly come together quickly, and the dish bakes in just over 40 minutes.

4. Comforting and Hearty

This meal is warm, comforting, and filling. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a satisfying dish for a crowd.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prepare these stuffed shells ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, making it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian option.

Spicy Kick

For those who like a bit of heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.

Extra Veggies

Add finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the filling to sneak in more vegetables without compromising the flavor.

Use Different Cheeses

Feel free to swap the mozzarella for provolone, or add a layer of ricotta to the filling for extra creaminess.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Add the cooled ground beef mixture and stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Shells

Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Be sure to cook the shells al dente so they don’t fall apart while stuffing.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, covering and refrigerating them before baking.
• Use your favorite marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought, choose a marinara sauce that you love to complement the stuffed shells.
• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish with foil ensures the stuffed shells bake evenly without drying out.

How to Serve

These stuffed shells are a hearty meal on their own, but you can serve them with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. Pair with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, for an added touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing

Assemble the stuffed shells but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

While jumbo shells work best, you can also use manicotti shells or large pasta tubes if needed.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with mushrooms, plant-based ground meat, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.

3. How can I make this spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or top the shells with spicy marinara sauce.

4. Can I freeze stuffed shells before baking?

Yes, you can assemble and freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

5. Can I use ricotta cheese substitute?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.

6. What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter option.

7. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

After cooking the shells, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

8. Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the shells the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

9. Can I add more cheese?

Feel free to add extra cheese inside the shells or on top for an even cheesier dish.

10. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until hot.

Conclusion

This Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef recipe is a perfect combination of rich, savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and flavorful marinara sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and makes for a comforting and filling meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells will become a beloved dish in your rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

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