Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory ground beef mixture and smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese—Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells are the ultimate comfort food, baked to golden perfection. With layers of creamy ricotta, hearty meat, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic baked pasta dish combines familiar Italian flavors with satisfying textures in every bite. The ground beef filling is rich and flavorful, balanced with the creaminess of ricotta and the sharpness of Parmesan. Topped with marinara and mozzarella, these shells bake into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. They’re simple to prepare, easy to portion, and great for make-ahead dinners or meal prep.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 1/2 cup marinara sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Mix in the cooled meat mixture.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 365 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed spinach and mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Blend: Use a combination of provolone, fontina, or gouda for a more complex flavor.
- Tomato Alternative: Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo or vodka sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells to accommodate dietary restrictions.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
FAQs
Can I prepare these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Do I need to cook the pasta fully before stuffing?
Cook until just al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I freeze Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells?
Yes, they freeze well both before and after baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly.
What’s the best type of cheese for this recipe?
A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan provides creaminess, stretch, and sharpness. You can also add provolone or fontina for more flavor.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Toss the drained shells lightly in olive oil or spread them out on a baking sheet to cool separately.
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and use a larger baking dish or two pans to serve a crowd.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Both make great lighter alternatives to ground beef.
How do I keep the filling from becoming dry?
Ensure the meat is not overcooked and that you incorporate enough cheese and sauce to maintain moisture.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, but choose a high-quality sauce with balanced flavor or make your own for a fresher taste.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting and satisfying dish that brings rich Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this recipe is a reliable favorite that everyone will enjoy. With its customizable filling and gooey topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.
Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory ground beef mixture and smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese—comfort food baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 1/2 cup marinara sauce and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Mix in the cooled beef mixture.
- Fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange in the prepared dish.
- Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use a piping bag or spoon to fill shells more easily.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for variation.
- Double the batch and freeze half for a future meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg