Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Introduction:
Few dishes capture the heart of Italian comfort food quite like Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells. This rich, satisfying meal features tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory beef mixture, smothered in zesty marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, golden mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping ahead of time, this baked pasta dish delivers big flavor in every bite. It’s warm, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious—your dinner table will thank you.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

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• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 egg

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• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the pasta:

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente and drained

• 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce

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• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese for topping

• Extra chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta shells:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells until just al dente (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

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2. Prepare the filling:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   Transfer the beef mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well until fully combined.

3. Stuff the shells:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.
   Carefully fill each shell with the beef-cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the dish.

4. Assemble the bake:
   Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

6. Serve:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion:
These Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a true comfort classic—meaty, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. They’re the perfect way to treat yourself or your guests to something hearty and homemade. This dish also freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save one for later. Every forkful brings warmth, satisfaction, and that unbeatable taste of home.