Homemade Stuffed Shells

Homemade Stuffed Shells Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

If there’s one dish that never fails to warm hearts and fill bellies, it’s Homemade Stuffed Shells. With their irresistible blend of creamy cheese, savory beef, fragrant herbs, and rich tomato sauce, these baked pasta shells are a family favorite—and for good reason. Whether you’re making dinner for the week, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe delivers everything you love about Italian-American comfort food in one beautiful dish. Even better? It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for Sunday dinner.

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Ingredients & Their Purpose

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, beefy masterpiece, along with exactly why each ingredient is important:

½ pound jumbo pasta shells – The perfect pasta vessel, these large shells cradle the filling for a beautiful and hearty bite.

2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.

1 onion (finely chopped) – Provides sweetness and depth to the meat filling.

Salt and pepper (very generously used) – Essential to bring out and balance all the dish’s flavors.

3 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds bold, aromatic punch that elevates the meat mixture.

1 pound ground beef – A classic, savory protein that makes the filling satisfying and hearty.

2 tablespoons Italian herbs – A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds classic Mediterranean flavor.

2 cups spaghetti sauce – Acts as both the sauce base and a binder for the meat mixture.

2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese – Brings creamy richness to the filling; ricotta gives a smoother finish while cottage cheese offers a slight tang and texture.

1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus more for topping) – Melts beautifully and gives that signature stretchy cheese pull.

½ cup grated parmesan (plus more for topping) – Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the tomato sauce and meat.

1 egg (beaten) – Binds the cheeses and meat together, ensuring a cohesive, creamy filling.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce across the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds flavor from the bottom up.

2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 1 minute less than the package recommends (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot to prevent sticking, and stir gently. Drain and rinse under cool water.

3. Make the Meat Mixture: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, season generously with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. When nearly done, sprinkle in the Italian herbs and stir in 1 cup of spaghetti sauce. Remove from heat.

4. Combine the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, parmesan, and beaten egg. Mix well. Add this to the beef mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

5. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each shell with the beef and cheese filling. Arrange the shells on top of the sauce in the baking dish.

6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle with additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. For a golden top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

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Why This Recipe is Loved

Balanced flavors: Creamy, cheesy filling with savory, herb-seasoned beef.

Easy to make ahead: Stuffed shells freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.

Customizable: Swap in ground turkey or sausage, or use a blend of cheeses based on what you love.

Family-friendly: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked shells hold up better when baking.

Cool the shells before stuffing: This makes them easier to handle without tearing.

Use a piping bag: Makes filling the shells faster and less messy.

Layer the sauce: A layer on the bottom prevents sticking and a drizzle on top adds even more flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade stuffed shells with:

A crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

Warm, buttery garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf.

A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling iced tea for a family-friendly option.

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Conclusion: Simple, Delicious, and Unforgettable

These Homemade Stuffed Shells are more than just a recipe—they're a celebration of rich, comforting flavors in every bite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish transforms into a bubbling, cheesy, tomato-kissed masterpiece that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether it’s your first time making stuffed shells or your hundredth, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Try it tonight and taste the comfort, flavor, and love baked into every single shell.

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 know if you'd like a printable version or a variation like spinach and cheese, or a spicy sausage twist!