Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

There’s a delightful aroma wafting through the air—just imagine tender pasta shells filled to the brim with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a zesty marinara sauce. Every bite is like a warm hug from your grandma! If you’re someone who believes that comfort food can cure just about anything, then these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells are about to become your new best friend.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’ve just come home after a long day. The kids are bickering over who gets the last cookie (spoiler alert: it’s not you), and all you want is a plate of something comforting. Enter the glorious world of hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells—a dish so delicious that even your picky eater will ask for seconds! Trust me; this is one meal that will keep both your taste buds and your family happy.

I remember the first time I made these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells; my son declared it “the best dinner ever!” His smile was worth every minute I spent in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta Shells: Use large jumbo-sized shells for maximum filling capacity; they’re perfect for this recipe.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Onion: Finely chop one medium onion for sweetness; it enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
• Garlic: Mince two cloves of fresh garlic to add depth to the meat mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; either will give you that classic Italian taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds creaminess and helps bind everything together perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan offers a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano elevates the flavor profile significantly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; always season your layers

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Pasta Shells: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt once it’s boiling, then cook your jumbo pasta shells until al dente—about 8-10 minutes works well. Don’t let them overcook or they’ll fall apart when you stuff them

Sauté Your Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Cook Your Beef Filling: Add ground beef into the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook until browned while breaking it up with a spatula—this should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease before seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Mix in Marinara Sauce & Cheese: Stir in half of your marinara sauce along with mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture until everything is beautifully combined. It should smell heavenly at this point

Stuff Those Shells!: Carefully take each cooked shell and fill them generously with your savory meat mixture using a spoon or piping bag—don’t be shy! Place each stuffed shell in a baking dish lined with remaining marinara sauce.

Bake & Serve!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour more marinara sauce on top of stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over everything. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling hot and cheese is golden brown. Enjoy every bite

This recipe turns out so flavorful that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner! Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers—if there are any left after everyone digs in

Feel free to share your own variations or add vegetables into the filling if you’d like more color on your plate

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente. While they cook, brown the beef with onions and garlic. Combine everything in a baking dish for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Experimenting with spices can bring new life to this classic dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

The first time I made these Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, my friends devoured them within minutes, asking for seconds before I even sat down

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes in these Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells.

How do I prevent pasta shells from sticking together?

Toss cooked shells in a little olive oil immediately after draining to avoid sticking while cooling.

Can I freeze these stuffed pasta shells?

Yes! Freeze them before baking; just add extra time when cooking directly from frozen.

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Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

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Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells deliver a comforting, flavorful experience with tender shells packed with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), then drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Stir in half the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese until combined.
6. Stuff each pasta shell generously with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish lined with remaining marinara sauce.
7. Top with more marinara and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (150g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: - Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Add spinach or mushrooms into the filling for extra nutrition. - For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze before baking.