The Best Stuffed Shells Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy, cheesy stuffed shells dance with vibrant flavors that promise a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this simple yet spectacular dish brimming with rich ricotta and herbs.

Jumbo shells become delicate vessels capturing melted mozzarella and savory marinara in every delightful bite.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a gourmet experience with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Layers of delectable ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a memorable dinner that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Fresh basil and garlic whisper authentic Mediterranean notes throughout this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Let’s uncover the magic of these irresistible shells that will make you the kitchen hero tonight.

What’s Inside These Delicious Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create a perfect vessel for holding the savory meat and cheese filling.
• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that provides the primary meat component in the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that contribute creamy texture, rich flavor, and delicious melting qualities to the stuffed shells.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and meat mixture together, ensuring a cohesive filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and a foundational flavor to the meat mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the finished meal.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make Perfect Stuffed Shells at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to create the perfect baking environment for your cheesy masterpiece.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells in salted water until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, sizzle the ground beef over medium-high heat.

Break it into tiny crumbles and cook until it’s beautifully browned. Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions turn translucent and release their irresistible fragrance.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Filling

• Cooked ground beef
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg

Mix everything until well incorporated, creating a creamy, savory filling.

Step 6: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Nestle them snugly in a baking dish, ensuring they’re packed with deliciousness.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese

Generously pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle an extra layer of mozzarella cheese on top for ultimate gooey goodness.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Final Crispy Touch

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Plate your stuffed shells while they’re piping hot. Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of herbal freshness if you’d like.

Pro Tips to Get the Best Stuffed Shells Texture

• Pat cooked shells dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making the filling soggy.
• Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and create a healthier dish.
• Mix different cheese types for richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances overall taste.
• Assemble stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add dried Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra depth and excitement in every bite.

Variations to Change Up Your Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a plant-based version packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Mediterranean Shells: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and oregano into the filling for a Greek-inspired culinary experience.
• Spicy Southwestern Shells: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and swap marinara for enchilada sauce to create a zesty Mexican-style dish.
• Seafood Shells: Use chopped cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of ground beef, mixing with cream cheese and fresh herbs for an elegant seafood alternative.

Pairing Suggestions for Stuffed Shells

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty cheese flavors of the stuffed shells. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy cheese and enhances the marinara sauce's tanginess.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Whip up a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan to echo the shells' ingredients and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and add a crunchy texture. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and toast until golden brown for the perfect accompaniment to the stuffed shells.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen stuffed shells in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, and use a plant-based ricotta alternative.

• How can I prevent the shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook the pasta shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Using a small spoon or piping bag can help make stuffing easier and reduce the risk of tearing.

Stuffed Shells That Wow Every Time

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or make it vegetarian with spinach and ricotta for a personalized meal that suits every taste preference.
• Master Family-Friendly Cooking: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together, with simple ingredients and steps that even beginner cooks can confidently follow.
• Pack Protein-Packed Nutrition: Combine lean protein from ground beef, calcium-rich cheeses, and hearty pasta shells to deliver a satisfying and balanced meal that keeps hunger at bay.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this all-in-one baking dish recipe that combines protein, carbs, and cheese in a single, deliciously convenient meal perfect for busy households.

Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Stuffed Shells bring classic Italian comfort to dinner tables with creamy ricotta and rich marinara sauce. Cheesy pasta pockets deliver pure satisfaction that keeps families coming back for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Meat and Vegetables:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Marinara sauce, for serving
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
2. Immerse pasta shells in boiling water, cooking until tender according to package guidance. Carefully drain and set aside.
3. In a robust skillet, transform ground beef into crispy, golden fragments, methodically breaking down larger pieces. Eliminate excess fat through thorough draining.
4. Introduce finely diced onions and aromatic garlic into the beef-filled skillet, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
5. Merge the seasoned beef mixture with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a whisked egg in a spacious mixing vessel. Thoroughly incorporate all components.
6. Gently cradle each pasta shell with the robust meat-cheese fusion, strategically positioning them within a prepared baking dish.
7. Cascade marinara sauce generously over the assembled shells, then lavish with an additional sprinkle of mozzarella for extra indulgence.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then nestle into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Unveil the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for molten, bubbling cheese and golden edges.
10. Extract from the oven and let rest briefly. Optionally, garnish with vibrant, freshly chopped basil for a burst of herbal freshness.
11. Serve immediately, presenting a comforting, cheese-laden masterpiece.

Notes

• Drain pasta shells thoroughly to prevent watery filling and ensure the shells maintain their shape during baking.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Consider mixing different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep the protein content high.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg