Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Name: Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 large pasta shells; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

By Lina Baker

March 25, 2025

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Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells is the kind of dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender pasta shell filled to the brim with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese—heavenly, right? The aromas wafting through your kitchen will have your family swooning in anticipation.

Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells on a Plate

This recipe isn’t just about flavors; it’s about memories. Picture this: you’re gathered around the dinner table on a busy weeknight. Everyone’s racing in from school and work, and the comforting smell of these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells welcomes them home. Trust me; they’ll be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any busy weeknight
Bursting with flavor and topped with gooey cheese, they’re sure to please everyone at the table
Visually stunning with vibrant colors, they make an impressive centerpiece for any meal
Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize based on your family’s tastes or dietary needs

I remember the first time I made these beef-stuffed wonders—my kids were so excited that they nearly staged a food fight over who got the biggest shell

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Large Pasta Shells: Choose sturdy shells that can hold generous amounts of filling without breaking apart.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still packing in flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for creamy ricotta to add richness and moisture to the filling.
Marinara Sauce: Go for homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s tasty enough to shine through.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for that ooey-gooey stretchiness everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it elevates the flavor profile significantly.
Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley): These not only add flavor but also bring freshness and color to your dish.
Garlic & Onion: Essential aromatics that enhance the depth of flavor in your meat filling.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget these classic seasonings—they’re key to bringing all those flavors together

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the filling. This ensures everything bakes evenly and gets golden brown.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbled—this will take about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce along with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Prepare Filling Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff The Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat mixture followed by a dollop of ricotta blend. Line them up in a greased baking dish like soldiers ready for battle

Strong>Bake To Perfection: Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes before removing foil for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Now sit back as you watch everyone devour these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells with joy You might even hear “Best dinner ever” echoing around the table as plates are cleaned.

So grab those ingredients and start cooking You’ll create not just an amazing meal but also new memories around your dinner table

You Must Know

This Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is perfect for family gatherings; it combines comfort and flavor
The rich aroma fills the house, making it irresistible
Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, creating a meal that keeps on giving

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta shells while browning the beef; this way, everything finishes around the same time for optimal flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach for a nutritious twist. Experimenting makes it your own

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly stuffed shells, ensure each shell is cooled slightly before filling
Use a piping bag for easy stuffing, and don’t overfill to prevent mess
A sprinkle of cheese on top before baking adds an extra layer of flavor and texture

Cooking these Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells brings back fond memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over seconds.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and fill the shells, then refrigerate overnight before baking them.

What sauce pairs well with this dish?

A homemade marinara sauce enhances flavors beautifully; store-bought also works well in a pinch.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that’s still satisfying.

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