Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting pasta dish that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and savory beef flavor, look no further than these Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells. This recipe brings together tender pasta shells stuffed with a rich mixture of ground beef and three kinds of cheese, all baked in a luscious marinara sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your new favorite pasta dish!

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines gooey cheese, flavorful beef, and tender pasta, and these Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells hit that mark perfectly. The balance of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan creates layers of cheesy delight with every bite. Plus, the seasoning with Italian herbs and garlic powder adds a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. What I adore about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can easily double it for a crowd or prep it ahead for a no-fuss dinner later in the week. It’s also a fantastic way to get picky eaters excited about dinner since the flavors are familiar yet exciting.

Gather These Ingredients

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Each component plays a crucial role—from the pasta shells providing a perfect vessel to the trio of cheeses creating a luscious filling. The ground beef is seasoned simply but effectively with garlic and onion powders, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to keep the flavors harmonious and bold.

Hardware & Gadgets

• Large pot – to boil the pasta shells
• Large skillet – for browning the ground beef
• Mixing bowl – to combine cheeses and seasonings
• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well) – for assembling and baking the shells
• Slotted spoon or tongs – to handle cooked pasta shells
• Cheese grater – if shredding fresh mozzarella and grating Parmesan

Having these tools at the ready will streamline the cooking process and help you nail the perfect texture and presentation.

Mastering Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells: How-To

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 large pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside on a baking sheet to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the cooked ground beef. Mix until everything is well incorporated. This filling will be rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor.

Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells

Carefully spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each pasta shell until all are generously filled. Take your time here to ensure each shell is stuffed nicely.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, open side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they’re well covered to keep them moist during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the pasta shells cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!

If you love dishes like these, you might also enjoy The Best Beef Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole for another comforting ground beef pasta option.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

• Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tempeh, or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
• Use vegan ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan-style cheeses available at most grocery stores.
• Swap marinara sauce with your favorite vegan tomato sauce or homemade marinara.
• Use vegetable broth if you need to cook the pasta shells in a flavored liquid.

These swaps make it easy to enjoy a similar cheesy, comforting dish without any animal products.

Slip-Ups to Skip

• Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they will continue to cook in the oven, so keep them al dente to avoid mushy shells.
• Avoid skipping the seasoning on the beef mixture; it’s crucial for a flavorful filling.
• Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy filling.
• Don’t forget to cover the baking dish with foil initially to keep the shells moist and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Following these tips helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures your Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells come out perfectly every time.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Leftover Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.

For freezing, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed since it’s coming from frozen.

Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well and cook thoroughly before mixing with the cheeses.

Do I have to pre-cook the pasta shells?

Yes, pre-cooking the pasta shells until al dente is essential because the baking time isn’t long enough to cook dry pasta shells through.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if the shells are cold.

What can I serve with these pasta shells?

These pasta shells pair beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Because You Liked This

• Baked Three Cheese Ziti Supreme – Another baked pasta dish loaded with cheese and Italian flavors.
• The Best Beef Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole – A fun twist on classic comfort food featuring ground beef and cheese.

The Takeaway

Three-Cheese Beef Pasta Shells are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the best of cheesy pasta and savory beef in one dish. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade and comforting. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a luscious filling that pairs wonderfully with seasoned ground beef and marinara sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells are sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for that perfect finishing touch!

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, cheesy, beefy goodness in every bite!

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