Easy Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta – Comfort Food at Its Finest

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a bubbling dish of beef stuffed shells fresh from the oven. This hearty, cheesy, saucy pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. With tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory beef filling, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug. And the best part? This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining.

What Is Easy Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta?

Easy beef stuffed shells pasta is a baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, seasonings, and cheese, layered with marinara sauce, and topped with more cheese before baking. The result is a golden, bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that’s as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to serve.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight hero and a weekend star. It’s hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly, and you can make it ahead for convenience. The filling is savory and flavorful, the sauce rich and tangy, and the cheese perfectly melty. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable — you can add veggies, swap proteins, or use homemade sauce for an extra-special touch.

How Does It Taste?

Each forkful is pure comfort: tender pasta cradles a savory beef filling that’s seasoned to perfection, surrounded by tangy marinara sauce, and topped with a blanket of creamy, gooey melted mozzarella. The textures are equally satisfying soft pasta, meaty filling, and stretchy cheese making it irresistible.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Ground beef is a great source of protein and iron, essential for energy and overall health. Tomato sauce provides vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant. You can also make this dish healthier by using lean ground beef, part-skim cheese, and whole wheat pasta shells, or sneaking in finely chopped vegetables to the filling for extra nutrients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20–24 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet for cooking beef filling
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
Add finely chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter filling.
Top with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese layer.

How to Make

1. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, then add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in 1/2 cup marinara sauce, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the cooled beef mixture. Stir until well blended.
5. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Stuff each shell with the beef-cheese mixture and place in the baking dish.
7. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

What to Serve With

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully.

Tips for Success

Undercook the shells slightly so they don’t become too soft during baking.
Let the beef mixture cool before adding cheese to prevent melting prematurely.
Covering with foil helps the cheese melt evenly without burning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta shells before baking.
Using too much sauce, which can make the dish watery.
Skipping the foil cover, leading to overly browned cheese before the filling is hot.

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. This dish also freezes well before or after baking — just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze stuffed shells? Absolutely freeze assembled unbaked shells, tightly covered, for up to 2 months.
Can I use jumbo shells straight from the box without boiling? No, they must be par-cooked or they won’t soften properly during baking.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

Calories: 380
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

Easy beef stuffed shells pasta is a timeless comfort food that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, Sunday family meal, or to impress guests, it’s always a hit. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, rich marinara, and melted cheese is the definition of cozy, hearty satisfaction.

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August 12, 2025 by Melissa