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A close-up of cheesy stuffed shells arranged artfully on a white plate, filled with ground beef and melted cheese, topped with fresh herbs, and served with a side of marinara sauce. The shells are golden with bubbling cheese and vibrant red sauce providing a colorful contrast.

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells: A Family Favorite!

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Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells is a classic family-friendly pasta dish featuring large shells filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, baked in rich marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this hearty recipe combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and melty cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Begin by cooking the large pasta shells in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly and make stuffing easier.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and remove from heat.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Stir in the cooked ground beef, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
  4. Carefully spoon the cheese and beef mixture into each cooked shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish coated with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
  5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring leftovers into airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days.
  • To reheat, microwave individual servings or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy and Meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Find it online: https://deliciousdailyrecipes.com/cheesy-ground-beef-stuffed-shells-a-family-favorite/