Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells
Cheesy beef-stuffed shells feature tender pasta filled with savory beef and cheese, baked in rich sauce for a hearty, satisfying Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 18 jumbo macaroni shells ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Italian style breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
- 1/4 c. Burgundy or dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water and salt in a Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
- Add macaroni shells and cook for 15 to 18 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside.
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until beef is browned, stirring to crumble meat.
- Drain off pan drippings and stir in chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese; set aside.
- Combine spaghetti sauce and Burgundy wine; spoon one-quarter of the sauce into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Set aside the remaining sauce.
- Stuff each cooked macaroni shell with the beef mixture and arrange in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy twist, consider adding ricotta cheese to the beef filling. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use jarred marinara sauce in place of meatless spaghetti sauce. To enhance flavor, sauté the onion with a bit of garlic before adding it to the beef mixture. Serve these cheesy stuffed shells with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheesy beef-stuffed shells with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color. Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a delightful meal. These shells also complement Italian recipes like Pasta And Bean Soup (Pasta E Fagioli) for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cheesy beef-stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells contains roughly 2406 calories, with 122g protein, 437g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (541% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (330% of the Daily Value), and protein (244% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of meat, which will provide a rich flavor and texture that complements the cheesy filling.
Can I freeze the cheesy beef-stuffed shells?
Absolutely! These stuffed shells can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).