Ground Beef Shell Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in a way that appeals to the whole family. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a savory ground beef mixture and smothered in a creamy tomato sauce creates a dish that’s not just filling but also deeply satisfying. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to prepare an easy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Originating from the rich traditions of Italian comfort food, stuffed shell pasta is a beloved favorite across many households. Often filled with cheeses or meats, shell pasta serves as a delightful vessel for all sorts of delicious fillings. In this recipe, ground beef is combined with fresh herbs, spices, and cheese to create a mouthwatering filling that complements the shells perfectly. The beauty of Ground Beef Shell Pasta lies in its versatility; it can be customized to suit your taste and made in advance for a quick weeknight meal. You can learn more about this topic.

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 12 large pasta shells
• Filling:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

For the best flavor, use high-quality ground beef and marinara sauce. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider using ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. Check out our related guide for more tips.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until combined.
4. Stuff the shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the heavy cream until well combined. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
6. Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, consider these tips:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Ensure not to overcook the pasta shells to prevent them from falling apart when filled. Also, be generous with the filling to make each bite truly satisfying.
• Pro technique: If you prefer a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes or Italian sausage to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor.

Variations

Feel free to customize Ground Beef Shell Pasta to suit your dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta for a delicious vegetarian stuffed shell.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Flavor variations: Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the filling for added texture and taste.

With its creamy, cheesy goodness, Ground Beef Shell Pasta is a dish that brings joy to the dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family meal or a small gathering, it is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and hearty portions. Don’t forget to invite your loved ones to enjoy this savory beef pasta bake together!

Ground Beef Shell Pasta

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

4-6

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

40 min

🔥

Calories

600 kcal

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Ground Beef Shell Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in a way that appeals to the whole family.

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Ingredients

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

3.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until combined.

4.

Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the st￭ shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

5.

In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the heavy cream until well combined. Pour the sauce evenly over the st￭ shells.

6.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

7.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts