Stuffed Pasta Shells

The aroma of bubbling marinara and melted cheese fills the kitchen as you sink your fork into a perfectly stuffed pasta shell. Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting dish that comes together in about an hour, and they work wonderfully as a cozy family meal or a delightful dinner party centerpiece.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting weeknight dinner. Make ahead by assembling the shells and storing them in the fridge, or prepare them for freezing to enjoy later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The cheesy filling provides a rich, creamy texture that complements each bite.
• Baking the shells creates a beautiful golden crust on top with a bubbly finish.
• Preparing the dish can be done in just one hour, perfect for busy schedules.
• Each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the blend of beef and Italian herbs.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to make these delicious stuffed pasta shells:

For the Pasta

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce

For Serving

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Substitutions: Use ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ricotta cheese can be swapped for cottage cheese.
• Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken.
• Marinara sauce may be substituted with Alfredo for a creamy twist.
• Fresh herbs can be dried if fresh isn’t available.

How to Make It

Creating your Stuffed Pasta Shells is a simple process. Follow these steps for a delicious dish.

1. Preheat

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook

Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.

3. Brown

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

4. Mix

In a bowl, mix the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.

5. Stuff

Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

6. Spread

Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up.

7. Pour

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

8. Cover

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Uncover

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Garnish

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the pasta shells to prevent them from tearing when stuffing.
• Allow the mixture to cool slightly before stuffing to avoid burning fingers.
• Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
• For extra texture, add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Enjoy alongside a glass of red wine for a delightful dinner experience.