Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Cheesy Beefy Delight Stuffed Shells are the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish a family favorite. Imagine a plate filled with large pasta shells cradling a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, all enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings people together around the dinner table, making it perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even a cozy date night at home.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Beefy Delight Stuffed Shells. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a blend of melting cheeses, all topped with rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy date nights, this recipe guides you through each step, from selecting the best ingredients to achieving a golden, cheesy crust. Bring your loved ones together for a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist!

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Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil and oregano)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Aromatics: To the skillet with the ground beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.

Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the stuffed shells cool for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 minutes | 1 hour | 4-6 servings