Ground Beef Stuffed Shells

Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 large pasta shells; 1 pound ground beef; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Inspirations

I love making Ground Beef Stuffed Shells because they're a hearty and comforting dish that pleases everyone. Each shell is filled with a savory beef mixture, smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese. Preparing them brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, enjoying each other’s company while savoring every bite. Plus, these stuffed shells can easily be made ahead and baked right before serving, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Created by

Noelle Chambers

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:21:37.455Z

Creating Ground Beef Stuffed Shells became a delightful adventure in my kitchen. I experimented with different seasonings until I found the perfect balance that complements the beef and marinara. This method really works because the shells absorb flavor from the sauce while staying tender and delicious. A tip I discovered is to let the beef mixture cool slightly before stuffing the shells; this helps to prevent the shells from cracking.

Each time I serve these stuffed shells, they disappear in minutes! The combination of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella makes for an irresistible meal. I love how versatile this dish is; you can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or vegetarian options without losing any of the flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying with each stuffed shell bursting with flavor
Layers of cheese and marinara sauce deliver comfort in every bite
Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences

Perfect Pasta Shells

To achieve the ideal texture for your pasta shells, cooking them al dente is essential. This means cooking them until they are firm to the bite, usually about two minutes less than the package's recommended time. This prevents the shells from becoming overly soft during baking. After draining, let them cool slightly before handling; this will make stuffing much easier and prevent burns.

A common mistake is to overcrowd the pot while boiling the pasta shells. Ensure they have ample space to move freely in the water. This will help them cook evenly and avoid sticking together, resulting in perfectly shaped shells ready for a delicious filling.

Savory Filling Secrets

The combination of ground beef and ricotta cheese creates a creamy, flavorful filling that perfectly complements the pasta and marinara. Adding garlic powder enhances the beef's savory profile, while Italian seasoning introduces a blend of herbaceous flavors. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef; just be sure to cook it until golden to develop flavor.

Incorporating half of the mozzarella into the filling not only adds creaminess but also binds the mixture together, making it steady enough to hold in each shell. If you want to experiment, consider adding spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for added nutrition and texture.

Baking and Serving Tips

When ready to bake, layering marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish ensures that the stuffed shells don’t stick and adds moisture while cooking. For a richer flavor, you might want to add herbs like fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Covering the dish with aluminum foil traps steam, which helps cook the shells evenly. Just remember to remove it towards the end for that golden, bubbly cheese topping!

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze uncooked stuffed shells; just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients

For the stuffed shells

12 large pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.

Fill the Shells

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture, then place them in the dish seam-side up.

Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the cheese blend in this recipe. You can replace mozzarella with cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique flavor. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, use tofu blended with nutritional yeast and herbs as a ricotta substitute. This will provide the necessary creaminess and umami flavor to enhance your dish.

If you want to reduce the carbohydrate content, consider using zucchini or eggplant slices instead of pasta shells. It results in a gluten-free alternative, beautifully layered with the same beef and cheese filling.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to fit your needs. If making a larger batch, ensure you have a bigger baking dish to accommodate all the stuffed shells. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cheese's color and the bubbling sauce.

For smaller portions, you can prepare and freeze individual servings in ramekins instead of a large dish. This makes for convenient meals during busy weekdays, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish without extensive prep on those nights.

Pairing Suggestions

Ground Beef Stuffed Shells pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. The freshness of a mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette will enhance the richness of the dish, providing a delightful contrast of flavors.

For those craving a heartier meal, consider serving the stuffed shells with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. These additions not only provide vibrant colors to your plate but also contribute essential nutrients, balancing out the richness of the cheese and meat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead, cover them, and store them in the fridge. Just bake them before serving.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe.

→ Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Absolutely! After stuffing, place the shells in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

→ What should I serve with stuffed shells?

A simple side salad or garlic bread complements these stuffed shells perfectly.