Stuffed Shells (2024)

This delicious Stuffed Shells recipe is a mouthwatering Italian-American classic that you can whip together in under an hour! Stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef and a trio of cheeses, the shells are then topped with marinara sauce and baked in the oven to bubbly perfection! This comforting family favorite is sure to be a hit with your loved ones!

Stuffed Shells Recipe

Aside from being both undeniably delicious and incredibly easy to make, stuffed shells are kind of like a cross between lasagna and stuffed manicotti. Made with oversized jumbo shells, which are perfect for stuffing, the shells are filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese along with some perfectly browned tender ground beef. Then the shells are baked to perfection in marinara sauce creating a yummy dish that is full of creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness with each bite!

And the true beauty of this stuffed shells recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize the filling by making it vegetarian or using different meats and cheeses. So whether you serve this dish as the main course for a family dinner or take it to an office potluck, these stuffed shells are certain to leave a lasting impression!

• Jumbo Pasta Shells – Instead of jumbo shells, you can also use manicotti or cannelloni. Yet, keep in mind that they are slightly larger and may require a little more filling.
• Ground Beef – I typically use lean ground beef but feel free to use regular ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, or a mixture of ground meats.
• Ricotta Cheese – It adds some creaminess to the stuffing. Whipped cottage cheese is a good alternative. And if you find that you’ve got some leftover ricotta, my delicious Ricotta Cheesecake is an absolute dream!
• Mozzarella Cheese – Buy a block of cheese and shred the mozzarella by hand if possible. It tends to melt better than pre-shredded cheese and is more cost-effective.
• Parmesan Cheese – Try to avoid using grated cheese from a shaker. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the ideal choice. You can also use romano cheese or a blend of the two.
• Egg – The egg helps bind the filling together, but you can omit it if you prefer to make an egg-free version of the recipe.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a delightful touch of herby freshness to the filling.
• Garlic – For the most intense flavor, always use freshly minced garlic. Jarred garlic can have a sour taste due to preservatives.
• Salt – You’ll need some salt to season the dish to taste. Yet, keep in mind that the parmesan is salty so don’t overdo it.
• Black Pepper – Use regular or freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
• Marinara Sauce – Any store-bought tomato sauce will do the trick! You can also make your own homemade marinara sauce.

How to Make Stuffed Shells

This classic Italian recipe is nearly effortless and the perfect solution when you’re in need of an easy meal! You simply boil the shells, stuff them, and bake! Dinner ready in less than an hour!

Preheat The Oven

Before you begin, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) so that is hot and ready to go for your shells. Then grab a 9×13-inch baking dish for a later step.

Cook The Shells

Next, you’ll need to cook the shells before stuffing them. So bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and then cook the pasta until al dente according to the instructions on the package. You will want to gently stir the shells a few times while they are cooking to keep them from sticking together. Then drain the shells in a colander and place them in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper.

Cook The Ground Beef

While the shells are cooking, you can brown the meat. Just put the ground beef in a large skillet and cook it over medium-high heat while breaking it up with a wooden spoon. You don’t need to add any extra oil for this step. In fact, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after you finish cook the beef.

Make The Filling

After you cook the beef, you can begin the filling. Start by mixing the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a medium bowl. Then stir in the cooked ground beef and mix everything together once more until it’s fully combined.

Assemble The Stuffed Shells

With all of the elements of the recipe ready to go, it’s now time to start stuffing some shells! First, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, use a large spoon to fill each cooked shell one at a time with the stuffing mixture and then place them in the baking dish. Then pour the rest of the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the stuffed shells.

Bake And Serve

Once you’ve stuffed the shells, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and then pop them in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and let them bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly. When the shells are done, the cheese should be completely melted. Then remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage

Leftover stuffed shells will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Then cover them with some plastic wrap and put them in the microwave on medium power for a few minutes to warm them back up. You can also reheat the shells in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

However, if you’d like to freeze your shells, it’s best to do it before you bake them. Just wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Then when ready to serve, let the shells thaw out overnight in the fridge and then bake them according to the instructions in the recipe.

Other Delicious Pasta Recipes

• Chicken Kiev Pasta
• Creamy Broccoli Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti
• Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Pasta Alla Norma
• One Pot Sausage Pasta
• Cheese Stuffed Manicotti
• Baked Mostaccioli