Go Back
+ servings
Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Comforting Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef to Savor

Delicious Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef, perfect for family dinners and customizable for any taste.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells These hefty shells are perfect for stuffing.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing.
For the Filling
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Can substitute with shallots.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Use garlic powder if in a pinch.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese is a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Try provolone for a stronger flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds sharp taste.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder.
For the Baking
  • 2 cups Spaghetti Sauce Can substitute with marinara or homemade sauce.
  • 1 cup Extra Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese For topping.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, then add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Mix in the Italian seasoning and half a cup of spaghetti sauce, then let the mixture cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the large egg. Stir until well mixed, creating a rich and creamy filling. Once the beef mixture has cooled, fold it into the cheese mixture until everything is fully incorporated.
  4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, placing them in the dish side by side. Continue until all the shells are stuffed.
  5. Once assembled, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the stuffed pasta shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 25-30 minutes; remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes.
  6. Once baked, remove the stuffed pasta shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to set. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Assemble the stuffed pasta shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours for convenient baking later.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!