Jumbo Pasta Shells Recipe Ground Beef
Homemade Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese are baked casserole-style with meat sauce, plenty of cheese, and tons of Italian flavor. This easy favorite recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Your whole family will love this Stuffed Jumbo Shells recipe!
Stuffed Shells Recipe
It's hard to go wrong with Italian food. Pasta, cheese, and sauce are always a winning combination in my mind! These stuffed shells with meat and cheese are no exception – they're easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser.
Since casseroles are the ultimate easy dinner, this stuffed shells recipe is made casserole-style. It's the easiest way to cook and serve without any hassle (and also a great recipe to make for neighbors or company).
This Italian Stuffed Shells recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners and fancy enough for a date night at home. No matter the occasion, everyone loves these cheese stuffed pasta shells!
Why You'll Love this Stuffed Shells Recipe:
- CHEESY: There are 3 kinds of cheese in this meat and cheese stuffed shells recipe! The ultimate cozy and comforting dinner.
- LOADED: Jumbo shells are stuffed to the brim with a cheesy filling, covered with a meat sauce, and topped with lots of cheese. Every bite is a dream!
- EASY: Made with basic ingredients and ready in just over an hour, this homemade dinner recipe is simple to make.
These meat and cheese stuffed pasta shells are the perfect Italian meal for any night of the week. No one can turn down pasta shells stuffed with cheese!
How to Make Stuffed Shells with Meat
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
Stuffed shells with ground beef and three kinds of cheese are so easy to make! Here's a quick overview of the recipe:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells to al dente.
- Brown the beef and make the meat sauce.
- Stuff the shells with cheese and arrange them in the baking dish with the sauce.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake.
For a Mexican version, try my Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Shells and for a crockpot version, try my recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells.
Easy Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Ingredients
Each part of this easy stuffed shells recipe is filled with classic, fresh, and simple Italian ingredients.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells
- Meat Sauce: olive oil, ground beef, onion, garlic, and marinara
- Cheese Filling: egg, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan
- Cheese Topping: more mozzarella and parmesan, and fresh basil for garnish
What are pasta shells called?
Pasta shells are traditionally known as "Conchiglie," but most brands label them as jumbo shells.
How long should I cook jumbo pasta shells?
Before assembling and baking the stuffed pasta shells, boil the pasta shells to al dente. Cook them according to the package instructions – about 9 minutes. If you want to prepare the pasta shells ahead of time, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days. When ready to bake the shells, simply stuff them, bake, and serve.
Can I freeze cooked stuffed shells?
Yes! This baked stuffed shells recipe is essentially a casserole, so it's incredibly freezer-friendly. Let the casserole cool, cover it, and place in the freezer. For single servings, portion out the pasta in freezer safe containers so it's ready to reheat at a later time.
What is the best way to reheat frozen stuffed shells?
To reheat frozen unbaked stuffed shells, let them thaw in the refrigerator first. Once thawed, bake according to the directions below. To reheat baked stuffed shells, let them thaw in the refrigerator first. Once thawed, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use another kind of meat for these stuffed shells with meat?
Yes! Instead of ground beef, try an equal amount of chicken or turkey. A butcher's meatloaf mixture would also be a fantastic option.
Serving Suggestions
Just like all casseroles, these Italian Stuffed Shells with ground beef and cheese can be a meal all on their own. It's a hearty, filling, and satisfying dish!
That said, to complete this stuffed shells meal, serve with any of these sides:
- Homemade Garlic Bread
- Texas Toast Garlic Cheese Bread
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
I'm a fan of ALL pasta, but stuffed pasta is on a completely different level. I love how each bite is filled with cheese, meat, and sauce. So good!
Tips!
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Keep an eye on the pasta shells so they don't overcook. After boiling, set them upside down on a baking sheet to dry.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite, store-bought or homemade marinara sauce!
- Vegetarian Version: To make vegetarian stuffed shells, simply omit the meat from the sauce.
I can't wait for you to give these stuffed shells a try! If you're looking to feed a hungry crowd, this is the recipe for you. I can't imagine anyone turning down this dish!
More Pasta Recipes
After you've made this easy stuffed shells recipe, be sure to check out some of our other carby favorites!
See All Pasta
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy!
Homemade Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese are baked casserole-style with meat sauce, plenty of cheese, and tons of Italian flavor. This easy favorite recipe is ready in about an hour – perfect for any night of the week. Your whole family will love this Stuffed Jumbo Shells recipe!
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 26 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese 4% milk fat
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 20 jumbo pasta shells cooked to al dente, per package directions
- Chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch (3 qt.) baking dish with nonstick spray; set aside.
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Bring a pot of water on the stovetop to a boil. Cook the pasta shells to al dente. After cooking the pasta shells, drain and place them upside down on a baking sheet to dry.
20 jumbo pasta shells
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In a large skillet, brown the beef on medium heat until cooked through and no pink remains. Drain off the rendered fat.
1 pound ground chuck
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Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet with the beef, heat the olive oil and add the onion. Cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion, 1 garlic clove
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Reduce heat to low and add the marinara sauce. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
26 ounces marinara sauce
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In a medium bowl, mix the egg, cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese together.
1 large egg, 2 cups small curd cottage cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Pour about three quarters of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Stuff the shells with 1 rounded tablespoon of cheese mixture and arrange them on top of the meat sauce, open-side up. Spoon the remaining meat sauce in-between the shells but not directly on top of the shells.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the shells. Bake 5-7 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve!
Chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish
Last step! Don't forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Calories: 449 kcal (22%) Carbohydrates: 24 g (8%) Protein: 31 g (62%) Fat: 25 g (38%) Saturated Fat: 11 g (69%) Cholesterol: 101 mg (34%) Sodium: 1055 mg (46%) Potassium: 622 mg (18%) Fiber: 2 g (8%) Sugar: 7 g (8%) Vitamin A: 780 IU (16%) Vitamin C: 7.6 mg (9%) Calcium: 325 mg (33%) Iron: 2.7 mg (15%)
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Source: https://www.thecookierookie.com/italian-stuffed-shells-recipe/
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