A hearty, comforting dish with jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned beef and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights, packed with protein and rich flavor in every bite.
Quick Description
These beef-stuffed pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, garlic, and herbs, then topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and make the perfect dinner for the whole family. Best served with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 6–8 servings (depending on shell size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Approx. Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 380
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Ingredients List
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or 90/10 for less fat)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg (helps bind the mixture)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells (depending on size)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the beef filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix the filling
In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, egg, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Stuff the pasta shells
Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef mixture. Place them in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
5. Add sauce & bake
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
Once baked, remove the foil and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or salad.
