Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Name: Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 medium pasta shells; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

By Jana Vergara

March 27, 2025

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The aroma of bubbling cheese mingling with savory beef fills the air as you approach the kitchen. You know a culinary adventure is about to unfold with these Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells. Picture these plump pasta shells cradling a rich beef mixture, covered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese—pure bliss on a plate.

Remember that one family gathering where everyone was so intent on devouring the meal that even Grandma forgot her famous apple pie? That was my first encounter with these delightful stuffed shells. They were love at first bite Now, I whip them up for every occasion because who can resist a dish that’s both hearty and comforting?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This hearty beef-stuffed pasta dish comes together easily for busy weeknights or festive gatherings
The vibrant colors and delicious aromas make it visually stunning
Perfectly seasoned beef in each shell guarantees a flavor explosion in every bite
You can customize the filling based on your family’s preferences

Everyone raved about how delicious they were

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Pasta Shells: Medium-sized shells hold the filling perfectly; avoid overcooking them to maintain structure.
: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor; brown it until nicely caramelized.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent to enhance its natural flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings boldness; minced garlic is best added just before the meat is done cooking for optimum aroma.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it will envelop those shells in delightful flavor.
Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a gooey topping; feel free to add more cheese if desired
Italian Seasoning: This blend enhances the flavors; sprinkle generously throughout the filling mixture for a true Italian experience.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t forget to season layers as you build for maximum flavor.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your filled shells hit the baking dish, they’ll start cooking immediately.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and aromatic—about 3-4 minutes.

Add Ground Beef: Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly—around 5-7 minutes. Remember to break up any clumps for even cooking

Mingle in Garlic & Seasoning: Add minced garlic along with Italian seasoning into the skillet. Cook until fragrant—just about 1 minute will do wonders for your mixture.

Create the Filling: Once meat is cooked through, remove from heat and stir in half of your marinara sauce. Mix until everything is well combined—this filling should be bursting with flavor

Stuff Those Shells: Grab your cooked pasta shells and fill each one generously with the beef mixture using a spoon or piping bag if feeling fancy. Place them snugly in a greased baking dish.

Add Sauce & Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—more cheese equals more happiness

Bake Until Golden: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

There you have it—a comforting plate of Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells ready to steal the show Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family or friends who will undoubtedly ask for seconds

You Must Know

Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting classic that can easily impress dinner guests
The combination of rich flavors and tender pasta creates a delightful experience
Pair them with garlic bread and a side salad for an unforgettable meal

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente, then prepare the filling while they cool. This method ensures everything is ready at the same time for a seamless cooking experience.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even plant-based mince for a vegetarian option. You can also add different cheeses or herbs to personalize your stuffed shells.

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, keeping them covered to retain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to elevate your beef-stuffed pasta shells with vibrant flavors
Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm to hold the filling well
Experiment with different cheeses for varied tastes and textures

Sharing this dish reminds me of the time my friends devoured every last shell at a dinner party, leaving me with just one

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake before serving.

What is the best sauce for beef-stuffed shells?

A simple marinara sauce pairs perfectly with these hearty stuffed shells.

Can I freeze Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Absolutely! Just freeze unbaked shells and bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

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