Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: A Simple And Irresistible Classic

If there’s one dinner that never fails to please both kids and adults at my table, it’s this Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat. These jumbo pasta shells, stuffed to the brim with a hearty blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, then smothered in rich marinara and baked until golden and bubbly, are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug.

I remember making these for the first time on a chilly Sunday when I wanted something more exciting than lasagna but just as satisfying. Since then, it’s become a go-to in my home, ideal for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or freezing for a future “I-don’t-feel-like-cooking” night.

The best part? This dish straddles the line between comforting classic and weeknight hero. You can assemble it ahead of time, bake it off when needed, and still feel like you served up something special.

Why This Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat is a Keeper

There are lots of ways to fill pasta shells, but this stuffed shells recipe with meat strikes the perfect balance of richness, creaminess, and bold Italian flavor.

Here’s what makes this version a standout:

• Flavor-packed filling: Ground beef sautéed with garlic and herbs adds depth and savory punch.
• Three-cheese magic: Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella melts to that irresistible pull, and a bit of Parmesan sharpens every bite.
• No dry bites: Nestled in a generous bed of marinara, the shells stay moist and flavorful from edge to edge.
• Freezer-friendly: You can prep this meal days or even weeks in advance. Just thaw and bake.

What’s more, it’s a super versatile recipe. Want to swap the ground beef for turkey or sausage? Easy. Prefer to go meatless? I’ve got you. Gluten-free? Use GF shells. You can even sneak in spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition without sacrificing the cozy vibes.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or pasta lovers who think they’ve seen it all, this stuffed shells recipe with meat delivers every time.

Recipe Card

Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

These stuffed shells with meat are rich, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

• 20 large pasta shells (jumbo size)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the egg. Stir in the cooled beef mixture.
• Stuff the Shells: Spoon the meat and cheese mixture into the cooked pasta shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
• Add the Sauce and Bake: Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist in flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the cheese filling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Pro Tips for Success: Making Your Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat Even Better

• Prevent Shells from Sticking: After cooking, drizzle the shells with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
• After boiling the pasta shells, be sure to drain them well and let them cool slightly before filling them. Excess water can cause the shells to become soggy in the baking dish.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese. A generous mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan will ensure the stuffing is creamy and melty. It’s important to balance the meat with the cheese, so you get that satisfying stretch and richness.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare and stuff the shells in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake them the next day for a quick dinner.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Variants of the Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: Tailoring It to Your Taste

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken Stuffed Shells

For a lighter twist on the classic, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These lean proteins still offer great flavor, especially when combined with herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Ground turkey is particularly great at soaking up the flavors of the sauce, making this a flavorful yet healthier alternative.

2. Stuffed Shells with Sausage

For a bolder and more savory version, swap in Italian sausage (either sweet or spicy) for some or all of the ground meat. The fennel and other spices in the sausage will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your stuffed shells. If you’re using sausage, be sure to remove the casing and crumble it before cooking, so it integrates nicely with the other ingredients.

3. Vegetarian Stuffed Shells

For a meatless version, you can use a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and mushrooms as the stuffing. Add some zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor and texture, and top it off with plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan. This vegetarian variant of the stuffed shells recipe with meat is just as hearty and satisfying, but perfect for those who prefer a plant-based dish.

4. Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Shells

If you want to add more earthy flavors, try mixing mushrooms with your ground beef. Mushrooms add a wonderful umami flavor, making the dish taste even richer and deeper. For this variation, you can sauté the mushrooms and onions until they’re soft and then mix them with the beef before stuffing the shells. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while boosting the flavor profile.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a batch of stuffed shells with meat. Whether you’re preparing them for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress. The combination of hearty meat, creamy cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, so you can feel free to get creative with the filling or toppings.

If you love hearty Italian-inspired dishes, try our Creamy Walnut Pesto Pasta Recipe for another rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights!