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Homemade Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Filling photo

Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Filling

A hearty baked pasta dish of large shells filled with a seasoned ground beef and ricotta mixture, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz large pasta shells
  • 1/2 tsp olive oil for tossing cooked shells
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for browning beef
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 cups pasta sauce divided (1 cup + 1 cup + 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • strainer/colander
  • Medium bowl
  • medium baking dish (about 9x13 or similar)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or prepare a medium baking dish; spread 1 cup of pasta sauce evenly across the bottom.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the large pasta shells according to package directions until al dente; drain and toss with 1/2 tsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, diced red pepper, minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp dried parsley, and 1/4 tsp dried oregano.
  4. Cook the beef and vegetables, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 8–10 minutes; drain excess grease and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with 1 1/2 cups ricotta, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of the pasta sauce; taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if desired.
  6. Spoon the filling into each cooked shell and arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish on top of the sauce.
  7. Pour the remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce over the shells and sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella on top, then scatter fresh basil leaves over the dish.
  8. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
  9. Let the baked shells rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Cook jumbo shells to al dente; they will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Line the bottom of the baking dish with sauce to prevent sticking.
  • Swap or mix meats if you want a different filling (chicken, sausage, etc.).
  • Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms and spinach instead of meat.
  • Save leftover meat sauce for another meal or freeze for later.