Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Introduction

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace, combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese all baked together in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even a larger gathering where you want to serve something hearty and satisfying. The large pasta shells are not only fun to stuff but also the perfect vessel for holding all the delicious filling. As the shells bake, the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I’ve always loved making stuffed shells for family gatherings. There’s something so comforting about the mix of pasta, beef, and cheese, and it’s one of those dishes that always disappears fast. I remember making it for a Sunday dinner with my family, and as the dish came out of the oven, the smell filled the entire house. Everyone was already at the table, eagerly waiting for the first bite. The combination of savory beef and the melty cheese was just perfect, and it became one of our new go-to recipes for big family meals.

What’s great about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add your favorite seasonings to the beef, throw in some fresh herbs, or even sneak in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. No matter how you make it, these Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef will always be a hit, bringing comfort and joy to your table with every bite!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Special gatherings
• Comfort food cravings
• Pasta lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef will quickly become a favorite in your home:

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
• Classic Comfort Food: This recipe is a timeless classic that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen, combining comforting pasta with savory beef and melted cheese.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them, making it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal on busy days.
• Cheesy Goodness: The melted mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells adds the perfect gooey texture that complements the rich filling inside.
• Kid-Friendly: With its familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and pasta, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef:

• 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, plus more for topping
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing, holding a generous amount of filling while staying tender when baked.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides a savory base for the filling and pairs wonderfully with the cheese and marinara sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese gives the filling a soft, velvety texture, balancing the savory beef.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey melted mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells adds a cheesy, satisfying finish to each bite.
• Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce forms the base for baking the shells, infusing them with rich, tomatoey flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef:

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Beef Filling:

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the egg. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Stuffed Shells:

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them seam side down.

Bake the Stuffed Shells:

7. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are all covered. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.

How to Serve

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is an easy yet impressive dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the stuffed shells with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a light, refreshing contrast.
• For a Hearty Meal: Serve with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, for a more filling meal.
• With Extra Sauce: Offer extra marinara sauce for those who want more of that rich tomato flavor with their pasta.
• For Special Occasions: Serve in individual ramekins for a more formal presentation at dinner parties or family gatherings.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy while baking.
• Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (such as 80/20) for a less greasy filling without sacrificing flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
• Add Veggies to the Filling: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef filling.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella can be used for a creamier, richer texture on top, though shredded mozzarella works well too.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef:

• Stuffed Shells with Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version of the dish.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Fill the shells with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and mushrooms instead of beef for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Stuffed Shells with Sausage: Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy) instead of ground beef for a flavorful twist.
• Cheesy Stuffed Shells: Add extra cheese, such as Parmesan or provolone, to the filling for a cheesy, indulgent experience.
• Stuffed Shells with Spinach: Mix fresh or frozen spinach into the beef and cheese filling for a boost of nutrition and flavor.
• Stuffed Shells with Chicken: Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken for a lighter, yet still flavorful filling.
• Spicy Stuffed Shells: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Stuffed Shells with Pesto: Stir in some basil pesto into the ricotta filling for a fresh, herby flavor.
• Stuffed Shells with Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the beef filling for a smoky, savory twist.
• Stuffed Shells with Alfredo Sauce: Instead of marinara, use a creamy Alfredo sauce to top the shells for a rich, indulgent variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Stuffed shells can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra time. To freeze after baking, let the shells cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef easier:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
• Large Skillet: To cook the ground beef and vegetables.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: A medium-sized baking dish is perfect for assembling and baking the stuffed shells.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the filling ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish while baking and ensure the cheese melts perfectly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can also use manicotti tubes or even rigatoni for a different presentation.
2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
   Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly fine, but if you have time, homemade sauce will add an extra layer of flavor.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding finely chopped zucchini, carrots, or even kale to the filling for added texture and nutrients.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with a mix of ricotta, spinach, and other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option, or use a blend of different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.

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Conclusion

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the perfect blend of tender pasta, savory beef, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and special gatherings.

The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can add extra ingredients like sautéed vegetables or swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Whether you keep it classic or mix things up, these stuffed shells will always be a crowd-pleaser.

I can’t wait to see how your Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or tell me how you made it your own. Enjoy!