Viral Easy Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Made with shells pasta stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and layered with savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture; this stuffed pasta is sure to satisfy all your pasta cravings.

Imagine a plate of delicious home-cooked pasta. Now, imagine that plate overflowing with gooey cheese and succulent beefy goodness. Those are exactly the kind of fantasies you can have with this stuffed pasta recipe.

The delicious stuffed pasta served in restaurants, now at your very own kitchen! It is the perfect comfort food you’ll want on a cold and rainy day. The secret is the homemade, rich, and flavorful sauce made with beef and marinara sauce. Don’t you dare skip that part!

This stuffed pasta is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So why wait? Try some today and discover the joy of this hearty and flavorful meal!”

Stuffed Pasta Recipe

Stuffed with a gooey and creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, the pasta shells are then layered over a homemade marinara sauce and ground beef mixture for a wonderfully delicious meal. Decorated with a light dusting of parsley and parmesan cheese and then baked. The result is golden, bubbly and cheesy pasta shells that are served up in a robust marinara sauce.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for a filling weeknight dinner or even a weekend get-together. They’re sure to be a soul-satisfying dinner with their vibrant Italian flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pasta

This stuffed pasta recipe is a delicious blend of four components, shell pasta, marinara sauce, ground beef, and pasta filling.

Shell Pasta – Shell pasta is a popular choice for stuffed pasta dishes because it is large enough to hold a generous amount of filling.

Marinara Sauce –The marinara sauce has a flavorful and slightly acidic taste and is a popular choice for pasta dishes, pizza, and other Italian dishes.

Ground Beef – Ground beef is a common ingredient in stuffed pasta recipes because it adds flavor, texture, and protein. The mixture of ground beef and marinara sauce is the base of this stuffed pasta recipe on which pasha shells are baked alongside the other toppings.

Pasta Filling – The filling for pasta shells is an integral part of the recipe and can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. My pasta filling is made by stuffing a combination of ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, parsley, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the hollowed shell pasta. Experiment with different fillings to find the one that works best for your recipe.

How to make Stuffed Pasta

These stuffed pasta shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta and a blend of cheeses and then covered with marinara sauce and baked.

Make Marinara Sauce & Ground beef

Heat two to three tablespoons of avocado oil on a frying pan and add chopped onions, diced peppers and ground beef.  

Cook until beef browned.

Season it with salt and pepper, all-purpose seasoning, Italian seasoning, and add chopped garlic, while stirring occasionally. Stir in marinara sauce and let it cook until meat is tender.

Cook the Pasta

Prepare pasta according to package instructions and add 1 cup of leftover pasta water to the pre-made marinara sauce to add savory flavors of pasta in the sauce. Divide the sauce in half after adding pasta water. After draining the pasta shells in a colander, rinse in cold water to avoid sticking.

Make the Cheese Filling

To make the cheese filling for the pasta, combine ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper, chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese, and mix until smooth and creamy. Place the filling in a piping bag for stuffing pasta shells in a convenient way.

Stuff Pasta Shells

Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and cheese mixture

Layer the cheese stuffed shell over ground beef and marinara sauce mixture.

Top the stuffed pasta shells with the remaining marinara sauce.

Top the sauce with more cheese and some parsley for extra flavor.

Bake

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Make Ahead Instructions

Making stuffed pasta in advance can be a convenient way to prepare a delicious and satisfying meal without spending much time in the kitchen. It is an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining crowds.

To make stuffed pasta ahead of time, follow the recipe as directed till stuffing the pasta shells with filling, but stop before the baking step. Instead of baking the stuffed pasta shells, cover them with plastic wrap or foil and place them in the refrigerator. You can keep unbaked stuffed pasta in the fridge for up to three days.

When you are ready to bake the pasta, preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe, place stuffed pasta shells in marinara sauce, top with cheese, and bake for the recommended amount of time, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure that it is hot and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Even though stuffed shells are a hearty and delicious filling main meal, you should serve them with a lighter side dish as a compliment. Here are some ideas:

Salad – A simple green salad, such as a Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette, can be served as a refreshing side dish with stuffed pasta.

Garlic Bread – Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes and pairs particularly well with stuffed pasta. You can make your garlic bread by spreading butter and garlic on slices of bread and toasting them in the oven.

Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers, are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with stuffed pasta.

Sauteed Spinach – Sauteed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that adds nutrients and flavor to the meal. Sauté a bag of spinach with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and salt until it is wilted.

Grilled Or Sauteed Mushrooms – Grilled or sauteed mushrooms are a tasty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with stuffed pasta. You can season the mushrooms with herbs, garlic, and other spices to suit your taste.

Stuffed Pasta Recipe FAQ’s

What is Marinara Sauce?

Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is often used in Italian cuisine. It is made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and various herbs, such as basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

How to store stuffed pasta?

To store leftover pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature. Place the pasta in a sealable container or wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil. Place the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze stuffed pasta?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed pasta. To freeze stuffed pasta, bake it according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Then, wrap the pasta tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a sealable plastic bag or container. Freeze the pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to eat the pasta, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe instructions.