The Speedy Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up these delectable fast stuffed shells with ground beef can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal fuss.

Creamy cheese and savory meat create a delightful combination that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Comfort food doesn’t always require hours of preparation, and this recipe proves just that.

Busy home cooks understand the magic of a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Seasoned with rich herbs and packed with protein, these shells promise to become a new family favorite.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when time is short but appetite is big.

Stuffed Shells With Beef That’s Fast and Filling

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up this delicious stuffed shells recipe that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table in no time.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Prepare the entire dish with just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy goodness and ground beef, this recipe appeals to both children and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces at every meal.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for make-ahead preparation, freezer storage, or last-minute gatherings, these stuffed shells provide ultimate flexibility for any dining scenario.

Fast-Packed Shells With Bold Beef Filling

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding rich, hearty fillings. Look for high-quality durum wheat shells with sturdy structure.

• Ground Beef, Egg: Protein-packed base for filling. Choose lean ground beef for healthier option. Egg helps bind ingredients together.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds softness and richness to the filling. Select fresh, smooth ricotta for best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides depth of flavor. Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor. Choose smooth, well-seasoned sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates golden, stretchy topping. Fresh mozzarella works best for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall dish flavor. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Mediterranean profile. Premixed or homemade blend works well.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance meat and cheese flavors. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish that adds color and fresh herb note. Chop just before serving.

Stuffed Shells Quick Ground Beef Method

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil jumbo shells in salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain the shells and let them cool down while you work on the filling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in fragrant garlic, zesty Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook for a quick minute to blend the flavors.

Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

• Cooked ground beef
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg

Stir everything together until well mixed and smooth.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Carefully spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each cooled pasta shell.

Make sure to fill them generously but not overflowing.

Step 5: Build the Casserole

Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a single neat layer.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells, creating a tempting cheesy layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the dish from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Quick Assembly Tips for Stuffed Shells with Beef

• Pat cooked shells gently with paper towels to remove excess water, preventing soggy stuffed shells.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother mixing and easier shell stuffing without lumpy texture.
• Arrange shells with small gaps between them in the baking dish for even heating and better sauce distribution.
• Add minced fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for extra aromatic richness and complex taste.

Stuffed Shells with Beef Storage

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm and steaming.

Sides for Stuffed Shells

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to balance the rich, meaty flavors of the stuffed shells, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the marinara sauce's acidity.
• Craft a Robust Side Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the hearty pasta dish, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread: Toast a crusty Italian baguette brushed with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, creating the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra marinara sauce and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Match with Refreshing Beverage: Serve a chilled Italian sparkling water like San Pellegrino or a light beer such as Peroni to refresh the palate and complement the rich, savory flavors of the stuffed shells.

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Fast Takes

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shells: Substitute pasta shells with blanched cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that's keto-friendly and nutritious.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and add oregano to transform the classic recipe with Mediterranean herbs and ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply cook and season it the same way as ground beef.

• How do I prevent shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Allow shells to cool slightly before filling to make them more pliable and less likely to tear.

• Is it necessary to use ricotta cheese?

Ricotta creates a creamy texture, but you can substitute with cottage cheese if needed. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Fast Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy ground beef stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with incredible speed and flavor. Hearty pasta pockets packed with seasoned meat and melted cheese offer delicious satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Cheese:

• 1 cup (226 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Submerge the jumbo pasta shells in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until they reach a tender al dente consistency. Carefully drain and allow to cool completely on a flat surface.
2. Transform ground beef into a savory base by browning it thoroughly in a sizzling skillet. Introduce aromatic garlic, robust Italian seasoning, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper, infusing the meat with deep flavors. Allow the mixture to cool momentarily.
3. Craft a luxurious filling by folding the seasoned beef into a creamy mixture of ricotta, melted mozzarella, aged Parmesan, and a whisked egg. Blend meticulously until the ingredients harmonize into a uniform texture.
4. Delicately nestle the rich beef and cheese combination into each cooled pasta shell, ensuring each pocket is generously filled without overflowing.
5. Establish a flavorful foundation by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of a spacious baking dish. Strategically position the stuffed shells in a single, elegant layer, then cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the arrangement.
6. Crown the shells with a generous snowfall of remaining mozzarella, creating a tempting cheesy landscape.
7. Encase the dish in protective foil and slide into a preheated oven set at 375°F. Bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Retrieve from the oven, punctuate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and aroma.

Notes

• Prep shells carefully to avoid tearing when stuffing, gently handling them to maintain their delicate structure.
• Consider draining ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, dietary-specific versions of the recipe.
• Cool mixture slightly before stuffing to prevent egg from scrambling and maintain a smooth, creamy filling consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 546
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg