Cheesy & Hearty Ground Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food 🧀🍝🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a rich, satisfying meal that combines gooey cheese, savory ground beef, and tender pasta shells, then Ground Beef Stuffed Shells is your answer. This dish, also known as cheesy stuffed shells or hearty stuffed shells, is a delightful family favorite that’s perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. With its creamy sauce and flavorful filling, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.
2. Ingredients for Cheesy & Hearty Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make the Best Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Preparation of pasta shells and filling
Cook large pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking until browned. Let it cool slightly before mixing with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg to create a creamy filling.
Stuffing the shells
Gently spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each cooked shell. Be careful to not overstuff to keep the shells intact during baking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, seam side up.
Assembling and baking the dish
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top for that gooey, cheesy crust. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cheesy & Hearty Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until hot.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
This dinner can be complemented with a fresh salad or garlic bread for an even more satisfying meal. For a twist, try adding spinach to the filling or substituting ground turkey for a lighter version. Making this dish gluten-free is simple with gluten-free pasta shells.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Can I make stuffed shells vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add beans for extra protein.
How long does it take to prepare these stuffed shells?
The entire process, from cooking the pasta to baking, takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, making it perfect for a quick yet hearty meal.
Are there gluten-free options for the pasta shells?
Yes, you can use gluten-free large pasta shells, available at most grocery stores or online, to make a gluten-free version of this comforting dish.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Make chopping and preparing vegetables easier, saving time and effort in your cooking process.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Perfect for preparing fresh beverages or chilling drinks to serve alongside your stuffed shells.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures your cookware is durable and easy to clean, making the whole cooking process smoother.
- Ninja Mega Kitchen Power System — A versatile tool for blending sauces or preparing dips to complement your meal.
8. Explore More Delicious Recipes
Looking for more dinner ideas? Check out our collection of easy and delicious recipes for every occasion, including Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta or Creamy Rotel Pasta with Ground Beef.
9. Conclusion
Cheesy & hearty ground beef stuffed shells are a crowd-pleasing delight that combines flavorful ingredients and ease of preparation. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting friends, this comforting dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings or add extra veggies for a nutritious twist. Enjoy cooking and savor every cheesy, savory bite!
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Cheesy & Hearty Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy & Hearty Ground Beef Stuffed Shells recipe. Featuring tender pasta shells filled with savory ground beef and cheesy goodness, baked in rich marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook large pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant in a skillet. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until browned. Cool slightly.
- Mix the cooked beef with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg to create the filling.
- Gently spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each cooked shell, arranging seam side up in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes for a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
Notes
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing to maintain the integrity of the shells.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until hot.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables or beans.
- You can customize this dish by adding spinach, switching to ground turkey, or using gluten-free pasta shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 470 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg