Stuffed Pasta Shells with Meat & Cheese 🧀🍅 – Easy Baked Comfort Food

Looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dinner? These stuffed pasta shells with ground beef and cheese are the ultimate comfort food. Filled with a rich meat and cheese mixture, baked in savory tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

It’s a classic Italian-inspired recipe that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

• Rich, cheesy filling with savory ground beef
• Baked to golden, bubbly perfection
• Perfect for make-ahead meals
• Comfort food at its best

It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

• 20 large pasta shells (conchiglioni)
• 300 g ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 200 g ricotta cheese (or cream cheese)
• 150 g shredded mozzarella
• 50 g grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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How to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Meat and Cheese

Add the cooked beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then cover with the remaining sauce.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent over-softening when baked
• Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor
• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
• Let the dish rest before serving to help it set

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Serving Suggestions

These stuffed shells pair perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine for a complete meal

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Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~650–800 kcal
• Protein: ~35–40g
• Servings: 4

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish, these stuffed shells with meat and cheese are a must-try. They’re easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for sharing.

Once you make this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite at your dinner table.