Description
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cream cheese, and aromatic seasonings. Baked with melted cheddar cheese on top, this meal is perfect for family dinners and offers a hearty, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 dozen jumbo shells
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups grated cheddar cheese
- Garnish (optional): fresh basil and/or chopped parsley
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese and Cook Shells: Remove the cream cheese from the fridge at least 30 minutes before use or microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo shells for one minute less than package instructions indicate. Drain and let cool for a few minutes.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and move the rack to the top third position. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and ground beef to the skillet with sautéed onions. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, breaking the beef apart until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Season: Reduce heat to low, stir in the softened cream cheese until fully combined with the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff Shells: Using a small spoon or teaspoon, fill each cooked shell with the beef and cream cheese mixture. Place stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish over the marinara sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese, removing foil beforehand if covered during baking.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese beforehand ensures easy mixing with beef and smooth texture.
- Cooking shells slightly under al dente prevents them from getting mushy during baking.
- Cover the dish with foil while baking for softer cheese and shells; remove foil to broil for a crispy top.
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat, but draining any leftover fat is recommended.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish and vibrant presentation.
