Cheesy beef stuffed shells have been a staple in my family’s dinner rotation for years, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly comforting about those tender jumbo shells cradling a savory, seasoned beef filling, all swimming in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a generous blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. I remember the first time I made them from scratch, the aroma filling my kitchen was absolutely divine, promising a meal that was both hearty and deeply satisfying. It felt like a hug in a casserole dish! This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight or even to impress guests. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
This recipe for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, no matter the occasion.
- Incredibly satisfying and hearty, perfect for a filling dinner.
- The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and melted mozzarella is pure comfort food magic.
- It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- The homemade marinara sauce adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get from a jar.
- This dish is wonderfully versatile, similar to how a sweet naan bread recipe can be adapted for different flavors.
- It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
- You can even prep it ahead of time for an even quicker weeknight meal.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour, much like a simple blueberry naan recipe is loved by all.
Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells dish. Just like how a good blueberry naan recipe needs fresh ingredients to shine, these components come together for a fantastic pasta bake.
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo shell pasta – these large shells are perfect for scooping up all the delicious filling and sauce.
- 2 pounds lean ground beef – I prefer 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and leanness.
- 1 onion, finely diced – a yellow onion adds a lovely sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed – fresh garlic is key for that pungent, aromatic base.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – this blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme is a shortcut to classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – boosts the onion flavor without extra chopping.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – an extra punch of garlic goodness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best!
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – these form the base of our rich, savory sauce.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – adds moisture and helps create a smooth sauce.
- 1 block (16 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded – you’ll want plenty of this for that irresistible cheesy topping. Shredding it yourself from a block will give you the best melt.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Creating these amazing Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells is simpler than you might think! The process is straightforward, leading to a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these bake – it’s pure bliss. This recipe is so adaptable, much like how a sweet naan bread recipe can be a base for many fruity creations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
Step 1: Get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the jumbo shells and cook them until they’re just tender, or ‘al dente,’ following the package directions. Once they’re ready, drain them well and give them a rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and makes them easier to handle. Set them aside for now; they’re the perfect little cups waiting for their delicious filling.
Cook the Beef Filling
Step 2: Now, let’s make that savory filling! Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add your 2 pounds lean ground beef and 1 finely diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with your spoon, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened and become translucent. You’ll notice a wonderful savory aroma starting to fill the air. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep the filling from being too heavy. Stir in the 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: To this flavorful beef and onion mixture, add the seasonings: 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Next, pour in the 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and the 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce. Stir it all up, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, allowing those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully, much like the spices in a spiced blueberry naan.
Assemble the Shells
Step 4: It’s time to bring it all together! Spread a thin, even layer of your meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds extra flavor. Now, take those cooked jumbo shells and carefully spoon the beef mixture into each one. Don’t be shy – fill them generously! Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese into each filled shell. This melty goodness inside is a delightful surprise.
Step 5: Arrange the filled shells in a single, neat layer right on top of that sauce in the casserole dish. Try to pack them in snugly but without squishing them. Then, pour the rest of your wonderful meat sauce evenly over the top of the filled shells. Make sure every shell is coated in that rich tomatoey goodness. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor, creating a truly delightful experience, similar to enjoying a slice of blueberry naan bread recipe.
Bake to Perfection
Step 6: Now for the grand finale! Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top of the casserole. You want a generous, even layer so it gets all bubbly and golden. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to help everything heat through evenly without the cheese browning too quickly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will be incredible!
Step 7: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells from the oven. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with some grated parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley if you like, and get ready to enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Want to elevate your Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells game? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. These tips will help ensure your shells are perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and wonderfully cheesy every single time. Think of these as my little secrets for making this dish shine, just like how a great homemade blueberry naan requires a few special touches.
What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells?
The real secret lies in not overcooking the shells initially – they should be al dente as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking; it lets everything meld beautifully! For more pasta cooking tips, check out this guide on how to cook pasta.
Can I make Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time since it’s starting from cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells?
A common pitfall is overcooking the shells, making them mushy. Another is not draining the beef fat well enough, which can make the dish greasy. Finally, ensure you spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Serving up these incredible Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells is half the fun! They are hearty enough to be a meal all on their own, but I love pairing them with a few simple sides to round out the dinner. Think of it like serving a delicious blueberry naan recipe – it’s great solo, but fantastic with the right accompaniments.
- A Simple Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta. It adds a much-needed freshness.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: For extra carb-loading fun, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are a must. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce in the dish.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus add a healthy balance and a pop of color to your plate.
Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells dish. It’s a hearty meal, so the values reflect that!
- Calories: 719 kcal
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 153 mg
- Sodium: 1477 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources like the MyPlate website.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells
Leftovers of this amazing Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are almost as good as the original! Proper storage is key to keeping them delicious. Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover shells to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This is similar to how you might store a prepared blueberry stuffed naan for later enjoyment.
When you’re ready to reheat, thaw frozen shells overnight in the refrigerator. For refrigerated leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the oven, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker fix, microwave individual portions until hot, usually 1-2 minutes. You might want to add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to ensure they don’t dry out.
Variations of Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells You Can Try
While this classic Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells recipe is fantastic on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! Just like how a simple blueberry naan recipe can be transformed with different spices or fruits, these shells offer so many exciting possibilities for customization. Here are a few ideas to explore:
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the beef and create a hearty vegetarian filling using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, and plenty of herbs. It’s a delicious way to enjoy stuffed shells without meat, much like a flavorful sweet naan bread recipe can be made vegan.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or stir a diced jalapeño into the sauce. You could even top with a spicy cheese blend for an extra kick, similar to how a spiced blueberry naan offers a complex flavor profile.
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Shells: For a richer, creamier take, swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce and use cooked, shredded chicken or turkey instead of beef. This transforms the dish into something completely new and decadent.
- Mini Stuffed Shells: Use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo ones and fill them individually. This makes for a fun, bite-sized appetizer or a delightful addition to a buffet, much like small portions of naan with blueberries served as finger food.
Amazing Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beef Stuffed Shells are a hearty, comforting dish packed with flavor. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with savory ground beef and mozzarella cheese, then baked in a homemade marinara sauce. It’s a family-friendly dinner that feels cozy and satisfying. Enjoy this cheesy beef stuffed shells recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo shell pasta
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 block (16 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook for 5-8 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the prepared casserole dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with the beef mixture and about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce in the casserole dish.
- Pour the remaining meat mixture and sauce over the filled shells.
- Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve warm. Garnish with parmesan cheese and/or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Onion: Use yellow or sweet onion for milder flavor, or white onion for a zestier taste.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is recommended, but jarred chopped garlic or garlic paste can be substituted.
- Cheese: Shredding cheese from a block provides the best creamy melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains an anti-caking agent that affects melting.
- Ground Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage can be used instead of beef, or in combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 719 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1477 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 153 mg