![- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated To make the best stuffed shells with ground beef, start with jumbo pasta shells. These shells are large and perfect for holding the filling. Ground beef adds a rich flavor and protein. For the cheese, use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. These cheeses create a creamy and cheesy filling. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 3 cups marinara sauce Seasonings are key to tasty stuffed shells. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Marinara sauce adds moisture and a tangy taste. Use a good quality marinara for the best results. - Fresh basil for garnish - Additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers You can customize your stuffed shells. Fresh basil adds a bright touch and flavor. Chopped spinach or diced bell peppers can boost nutrition. These add-ins make your dish unique and colorful. For the full recipe, check out the instructions in the recipe section. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Cook 20 jumbo pasta shells according to the package. Make sure they are al dente. Drain them and put them on a greased baking sheet to avoid sticking. - In a large skillet, heat over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 small chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is clear, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Stir in the cooked beef mixture into the cheese blend. Make sure it is well combined for maximum flavor. - Carefully fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overfill, but make them generous. - In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce. Place the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over them, ensuring they are covered well. - For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from browning too fast. - Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To stuff the shells without a mess, use a small spoon. A piping bag also works well. Fill each shell until it is just full. Don't overstuff them. This keeps the filling inside while baking. For a creamy filling, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and spices. Use fresh mozzarella for a rich taste. Blend these together until smooth. This will help the filling stay soft and delicious. Cover the baking dish with foil while it bakes. This stops the cheese from browning too fast. After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes to get that golden color. To ensure cheesy goodness, add extra mozzarella on top before baking. This melts into a tasty, gooey layer. For serving, place the stuffed shells on individual plates. Drizzle extra marinara sauce around each plate. This adds color and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. These small details make your dish look and taste great. {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for a lighter meal. This change keeps the dish tasty while cutting down on fat. If you want to go fully vegetarian, try using mushrooms or lentils. You can also stuff the shells with spinach and ricotta for a fresh take. Both options add a nice twist and flavor. Adding spices can boost the taste. Try red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. You might also mix in chopped bell peppers for a crunchy texture. Switching up the cheese types can change things too. Use goat cheese for tang or feta for a salty kick. These small tweaks can make your dish unique and exciting. If you’re short on time, use an Instant Pot. Just layer the shells and sauce, and let it work its magic. A slow cooker is great for a set-and-forget meal. Simply combine everything and let it cook low and slow. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Stuff the shells, cover them with sauce, and freeze before baking. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime. To store your stuffed shells, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze stuffed shells both before and after baking. If you freeze them before baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. If they are baked, allow them to cool completely before freezing. For the best taste, use them within three months. When it comes to reheating, you can use a microwave or an oven. The oven gives the best results, keeping the shells crispy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the shells. This helps keep them from drying out. Remember to be gentle when handling the shells, so they stay intact. For more details on making these stuffed shells, refer to the Full Recipe. Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day before. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. What can I serve with stuffed shells? Stuffed shells pair well with a simple salad. A green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. Why did my stuffed shells break? Stuffed shells may break if they are overcooked. Cook the shells until they are just al dente. Also, be gentle when handling them. How do I keep the filling from leaking out? Make sure to fill the shells carefully. Overstuffing can cause leaks. Also, cover the shells with sauce before baking. This keeps the filling moist and secure. Are stuffed shells healthy? Stuffed shells can be part of a balanced diet. They provide carbs from pasta, protein from beef, and calcium from cheese. However, watch your portion size. Can I make a gluten-free version? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta shells. Most fillings are already gluten-free. Always check your sauce and cheese labels to ensure they match your needs. Stuffed shells are a fun and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients like jumbo pasta, ground beef, and different cheeses. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them perfectly. Tips for storing and reheating help you enjoy leftovers later. You can even try variations to fit your taste. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Enjoy the process and share your stuffed shells with family and friends. Happy cooking!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8b52d81e-f0fa-46d3-a68e-e65e92bc5409-300x300.webp)
Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
Savor the delightful flavors of cheesy beefy shells with this easy and mouthwatering recipe! Stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned beef, these jumbo pasta shells are baked in rich marinara sauce for a comforting meal everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy get-together, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and create your own cheesy beefy shells delight!