Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells

Whenever I think about comfort food, Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells immediately comes to mind. It was a chilly evening last fall when I first attempted this dish. I had just returned home from a long day at work, and the idea of diving into a plate of warm, cheesy goodness was simply irresistible. As I set to work, the aroma of ground beef sautéing with onions and garlic filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. It felt like a great way to spend time with my family, gathering around the table to savor each rich, flavorful bite. Stuffing the shells with the savory mixture of ricotta and Parmesan not only brought me joy but also transformed my kitchen into a haven of warmth and happiness.

Ingredients Overview for Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells

The ingredients for Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells are carefully selected to create harmony in flavor and texture. The stars of the show include pasta shells, ground beef, and an array of delicious cheeses. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering that comforting, hearty experience we all crave.

• 10 oz large pasta shells: The foundation of this dish, they are perfect for holding all the delicious filling. Choose large shells to achieve the best stuffing experience.
• ½ tsp olive oil: Used for drizzling over the pasta to prevent sticking. It also adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: This oil is used for cooking the ground beef and vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor of the stuffing.
• 1 lb ground beef: A hearty source of protein that adds depth to the dish. It’s essential for providing that comforting meatiness.
• ½ onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing mixture, balancing the savory flavors beautifully.
• ½ red pepper, diced: Provides a pop of color and a sweet, crunchy texture that complements the beef.
• 2 tsp garlic, minced: A must-have for any Italian dish, it brings aromatic warmth and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• ¼ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
• ¼ tsp pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a hint of heat, balancing the richness of the filling.
• ¼ tsp parsley, dried: Adds a subtle herbal note that brightens the mixture.
• ¼ tsp oregano, dried: A staple in Italian cooking, it provides a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is the heart of the filling, adding creaminess and a mild flavor.
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
• 3 cups pasta sauce, divided: Provides moisture and a tangy flavor that binds all the ingredients together.
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping that makes the dish irresistible.
• 1 tbsp basil, fresh leaves: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and a pop of color, making this dish visually appealing.

How to Assemble Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells

Assembling Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells is a joyous process. Take your time to enjoy each step, and the result will be well worth it! Follow these steps to create a dish that everyone will love.

1. Boil the large pasta shells. Begin by heating a large pot of water on the stove to medium-high. Once the water is boiling, add the large pasta shells and cook as directed until they are al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook them as they will finish cooking in the oven, which could lead to mushy shells. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it in a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Italian seasoned ground beef. In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef along with the onion, red pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Cook this mixture for about ten minutes, stirring regularly to break down the beef. Look for the meat to turn a rich brown color and for the onions to become translucent. Remove from heat, and strain the mixture on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
3. Prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a medium-sized baking dish and cover the bottom with a cup of pasta sauce. This step locks in moisture and prevents the shells from sticking or burning.
4. Mix together the stuffed pasta filling. In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked beef mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and one cup of pasta sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary with some extra salt and pepper. You want the filling to be flavorful as it will carry the entire dish.
5. Stuff every cooked shell. Carefully grab each cooked shell and fill it with the beef and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling! Place each stuffed shell into the baking dish, lined up neatly. Once all the shells are filled, top them with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake the stuffed shells. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about twenty minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should have a beautiful golden color. It’s the perfect time to let the layers of flavor come together.
7. Let it cool before serving. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. If you’re waiting to serve it to guests, cover it with tin foil to keep it warm.

Recipe Notes about Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells

This dish is one that you can easily customize for your family’s taste. Here are some tips to ensure a successful cooking experience.

• Storage: Store any leftover Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells. Just wrap them tightly before adding them to the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding a little extra time.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad or some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Make it your own: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to change up the filling ingredients based on what you have—use different vegetables or cheeses!
• Reheating: When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from getting too brown. You want that cheese to remain melted and gooey!

What Complements This Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells

Pairing Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells with the right sides and drinks can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a side of warm garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the extra pasta sauce.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of sparkling water or a light Italian white wine can complement the flavors nicely.
• Occasion: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy date night at home. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
• Cheese Lover’s Delight: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish!

FAQ

Conclusion

Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with rich flavors and comforting textures. This dish has a wonderful ability to bring family and friends together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. I encourage you to try making it yourself and share it with loved ones. You won’t be disappointed!

Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells

The ultimate comfort food, Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells are filled with hearty ground beef and a blend of creamy cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. Make it tonight for a delicious experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 10 oz large pasta shells
• ½ tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lbs ground beef
• ½ onion diced
• ½ red pepper diced
• 2 tsp garlic minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp parsley dried
• ¼ tsp oregano dried
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
• 3 cups pasta sauce divided
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp basil fresh leaves

Instructions

 

• Boil the large pasta shells. Begin by heating a large pot of water on the stove to medium-high. Once the water is boiling, add the large pasta shells and cook as directed until they are al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook them as they will finish cooking in the oven, which could lead to mushy shells. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it in a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Brown the Italian seasoned ground beef. In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef along with the onion, red pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Cook this mixture for about ten minutes, stirring regularly to break down the beef. Look for the meat to turn a rich brown color and for the onions to become translucent. Remove from heat, and strain the mixture on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.
• Prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a medium-sized baking dish and cover the bottom with a cup of pasta sauce. This step locks in moisture and prevents the shells from sticking or burning.
• Mix together the stuffed pasta filling. In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked beef mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and one cup of pasta sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary with some extra salt and pepper. You want the filling to be flavorful as it will carry the entire dish.
• Stuff every cooked shell. Carefully grab each cooked shell and fill it with the beef and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling! Place each stuffed shell into the baking dish, lined up neatly. Once all the shells are filled, top them with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
• Bake the stuffed shells. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about twenty minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should have a beautiful golden color. It’s the perfect time to let the layers of flavor come together.
• Let it cool before serving. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. If you’re waiting to serve it to guests, cover it with tin foil to keep it warm.

Notes

Store any leftover Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop.

You can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells. Just wrap them tightly before adding them to the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding a little extra time.

A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the stuffed shells.

This recipe is versatile! Feel free to change up the filling ingredients based on what you have—use different vegetables or cheeses!

When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from getting too brown. You want that cheese to remain melted and gooey!

Keyword Cheesy Italian Stuffed Shells, comfort food recipes, easy stuffed shells, Italian pasta recipes

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Meet Natalie Cole

I’m Natalie! I appreciate simple, honest food that nourishes the soul without requiring hours of effort. I’m always looking for smart shortcuts that save time but never sacrifice quality or taste. I cooked and photographed this meal right here in our kitchen, capturing every step to show you that a beautiful, cozy dinner is completely within reach.