These cheesy, saucy stuffed shells with ground beef are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and family-approved. Perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory mix of ground beef and marinara, then topped with gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s as cozy as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or prepping for a Sunday meal with loved ones, this baked pasta classic never disappoints.
Every bite is rich with flavor—juicy seasoned beef, smooth tomato sauce, and stretchy mozzarella all come together in a baked casserole dish that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a meal that brings warmth to the table and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. If you love bold flavors and cheesy, oven-baked dishes, you’re going to be obsessed with these stuffed pasta shells.
Ingredients for Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them just until al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Drain the shells and rinse them gently under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to dry on a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Fill the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about ½ cup) across the bottom of the dish. Take each pasta shell and spoon in a generous amount of the beef mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Place the filled shells in the baking dish, open side up. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the stuffed shells rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers of these Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezer: You can freeze the stuffed shells before or after baking. For best results, assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of marinara before reheating to keep the shells moist and flavorful.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~430 kcal
- Protein: ~28 g
- Carbohydrates: ~32 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Saturated Fat: ~9 g
- Cholesterol: ~70 mg
- Sodium: ~780 mg
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Nutrition will vary slightly depending on exact ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ground beef should I use?
Use lean ground beef (85% or 90%) to balance flavor and minimize excess grease. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the stuffed shells up to 1 day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
How do I keep the shells from sticking together?
After boiling, rinse the shells under cool water and lay them out separately on a towel or baking sheet to dry slightly. This prevents them from sticking or tearing.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! For extra richness, mix in ricotta or cream cheese with the ground beef before stuffing the shells.
What’s the best way to freeze stuffed shells?
Freeze them unbaked in a foil-covered dish. Thaw overnight and bake as usual, or bake directly from frozen by adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the cook time.
Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, a good-quality jarred marinara works great. You can also use homemade sauce if you prefer.
What goes well with stuffed shells?
They pair perfectly with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, meat-free version.
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