Homemade Stuffed Shells

 Irresistible Homemade Stuffed Shells Recipe

Few dishes bring the comfort and satisfaction of Homemade Stuffed Shells. With their rich, savory filling and perfectly baked layers of sauce and cheese, these shells are a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. This classic Italian-inspired dish combines tender pasta shells stuffed with a hearty beef and cheese mixture, all baked to perfection in a delicious marinara sauce.

Whether you're feeding a large group or preparing a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture that everyone will love. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the best stuffed shells you'll ever taste.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Pasta Shells:

½ pound jumbo pasta shells – These large shells provide the perfect vessel for holding the rich beef and cheese filling. Cooking them slightly underdone prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding a rich, aromatic base to the filling.

1 onion (finely chopped) – Provides a savory depth of flavor that complements the beef.

3 cloves garlic (minced) – Enhances the overall flavor with its bold, fragrant aroma.

1 pound ground beef – Adds heartiness and a rich, meaty texture to the filling.

2 tablespoons Italian herbs – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme infuses the filling with classic Italian flavor.

2 cups spaghetti sauce – Serves as the rich, tangy base that holds everything together in the baking dish.

2 cups ricotta (or cottage cheese) – Provides a creamy, luscious texture to balance the beef.

1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy texture in every bite.

½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds a sharp, salty bite that enhances the overall flavor.

1 egg (beaten) – Acts as a binder, ensuring the filling stays together inside the shells.

For the Topping:

Additional mozzarella and Parmesan – Creates a bubbly, golden-brown layer of cheesy goodness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water for about 1 minute less than the package instructions recommend. This ensures they stay firm enough to hold the filling during baking.

3. Drain the shells and run cold water over them to stop the cooking process. To prevent sticking, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the drained shells and toss gently.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. When the beef is almost fully browned, sprinkle in the Italian herbs and stir in 1 cup of spaghetti sauce.

5. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and beaten egg.

2. Stir this mixture into the slightly cooled beef mixture to create a creamy, rich filling.

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Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom.

2. Using a spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, arranging them in the dish.

3. Sprinkle the top with additional mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich, golden-brown finish.

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Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

2. For a perfectly golden top, uncover the dish for the final 5 minutes of baking.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

✔️ Undercook the shells slightly — they’ll finish cooking in the oven, ensuring they stay firm and don’t fall apart.

✔️ Cool the filling before stuffing the shells — this makes it easier to handle and prevents burning your hands.

✔️ Add extra sauce on top before baking to ensure the shells stay moist and flavorful.

✔️ For added richness, sprinkle a handful of fresh basil or parsley over the finished dish before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these savory stuffed shells with:

Garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.

A crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness.

A glass of red wine for a perfect Italian-inspired dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Stuffed Shells recipe is loved for its rich layers of flavor, creamy filling, and hearty texture. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping — just assemble ahead of time and bake when ready!

With these clear instructions, helpful tips, and flavorful ingredients, you’re set to create a mouthwatering stuffed shell dish tha

t’s sure to become a family favorite.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting taste of Italian-inspired perfection right from your own kitchen!