Beef stuffed shells are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. They’re hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. You can also try variations on this dish to keep things exciting. If you’re looking for more ideas using ground beef, consider checking out these ground beef recipes.
Why Make This Recipe
Beef stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. They are not only delicious but also very filling, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal. Plus, the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella create a wonderful taste experience. Finally, this dish can be made ahead of time and baked later, which is perfect for busy nights. You may also find 10 Simple Pantry Recipes Using 5 Ingredients Or Less useful.
How to Make Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
This recipe involves cooking jumbo pasta shells and then filling them with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and cheese. After assembling the shells in a marinara sauce, they are baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a straightforward process that yields fantastic results.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (divided)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Beef stuffed shells can be served with a simple side salad for a fresh touch. You can also pair them with garlic bread for a classic meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some extra parsley on top before serving.
How to Store Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
To store leftovers, cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can reheat the stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, they can be frozen before baking and cooked later when needed.
Tips to Make Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Make sure to cook the shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- You can add more veggies, such as spinach or zucchini, to the filling for added nutrients.
- If you want to save time, prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble it later.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.
Variations
- Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese for a different texture.
FAQs
- Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
- What can I serve with beef stuffed shells? A side salad or garlic bread complements this dish well.
- Can I freeze stuffed shells? Yes, they can be frozen before baking. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Conclusion
This recipe for beef stuffed shells is a delightful comfort food that’s sure to satisfy. For more delicious options, you might enjoy stuffed shells with meat and ricotta or learn how to simplify your cooking with these easy tips for preparing stuffed shells.
Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
