A warm, bubbling dish of Stuffed Pasta Shells fresh from the oven is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in indulgence. This satisfying recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, providing a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. The combination of creamy ricotta and savory ground beef inside the pasta shells creates a meal that is not only delicious but also filling.
This recipe is perfect for families and friends, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners. You can make the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, allowing for a quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious filling of ricotta and ground beef offers a satisfying taste.
- Creamy mozzarella on top adds a gooey, irresistible texture.
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
- Perfectly portioned with large shells, making serving a breeze.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients for a delightful meal.
For the Stuffing
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Use crushed red pepper for extra heat.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground turkey can replace ground beef.
- Cottage cheese works well instead of ricotta.
- Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella can be swapped for provolone.
How to Make It
Follow these steps for a delicious baked dish.
Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Combine
In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stuff
Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and ricotta mixture.
Spread
Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange
Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
Sprinkle
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Cool
Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
How to Store It
Fridge: 3-5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the pasta shells are cooked al dente to hold their shape when baked.
- Drain the beef well to avoid excess greasiness in your dish.
- For a touch of freshness, add chopped spinach to the stuffing.
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a hearty dining experience.
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
