Creamy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Description
Jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. A comforting family dinner that’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying.
Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 35 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onion and ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, egg, and half of the mozzarella.
- Stir the cooked beef mixture into the cheese mixture.
- Spread about ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce around and lightly over the shells.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Healthy Benefits
- Ground beef provides protein and iron.
- Cheese and ricotta provide calcium and protein.
- Adding onion and garlic provides flavor without needing excessive salt or sauces.
Pro Tip
Don’t overcook the shells. Keeping them slightly firm makes them easier to fill and prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
Frequency
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or weekend family meal. Leftovers also reheat well.
Q/A
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes. Freeze them assembled before baking for up to about 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey can replace the beef for a lighter option.
Serve
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
Variations
- Add chopped spinach to the filling.
- Use ground Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone.
- Add mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Related Recipe Ideas
- Creamy Beef and Shells
- Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Bake
- Lasagna Stuffed Shells
- Ground Beef & Ricotta Pasta Bake
- Cheesy Italian Beef Casserole
Final Thought
These Creamy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells combine tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich cheesy filling for an easy comfort-food dinner everyone can enjoy.
