Easy Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
A comforting and delicious dish featuring tender pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Filling
- 12 pieces Jumbo pasta shells - Cooked al dente and cooled
- 1 lb Ground beef 80/20
- 1 small Yellow onion - Finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic - Minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning - Oregano basil, thyme blend
- ½ tsp Salt - Adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp Black pepper - Freshly ground
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese - Whole-milk
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella - Divided
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan - Plus extra for topping
- 1 large Egg - Lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley - Finely chopped
Sauces
- 2 cups Marinara sauce - Divided
- 1 cup Tomato sauce - Optional extra for saucy bake
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes - Optional for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, then drain and let them cool.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and fresh parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Gently fold the cooled beef mixture into the cheese mixture.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, then place them in the dish, open side up.
- Spoon more marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
Pair with a simple salad for a refreshing contrast or serve alongside garlic bread for a hearty meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future use. Adjust seasoning to fit your taste preferences.