Cheesy Beef Pasta Shells (Print Version)
Stuffed cheesy shells with beef, creamy filling, and rich tomato sauce. Oven-baked until hot and golden on top.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Dairy
01 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
02 -
2 cups mozzarella, shredded
03 -
1/4 cup parmesan, finely grated
04 -
8 oz cream cheese
05 -
1 box of large shell pasta, cooked and drained
→ Meat
06 -
2 lbs ground beef
→ Seasoning
07 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
08 -
1 tsp seasoned salt
→ Sauce
09 -
3 cups marinara or tomato sauce
# Steps:
01 -
Set your oven to 375°F to preheat. Boil the pasta until al dente, drain it, and let it cool off.
02 -
Over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Sprinkle with pepper and salt, then drain the extra grease.
03 -
Turn the heat down and add the cream cheese to the pan. Stir until the meat mixture is creamy and evenly mixed.
04 -
Mix parmesan and half the sharp cheddar into the beef. Stir until melted, then take the pan off the heat.
05 -
Spoon the beef mixture into cooked pasta shells. Lay the filled shells neatly in a 9x13-inch baking pan. If needed, grab a smaller dish for extras.
06 -
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes until everything is heated through.
07 -
Take off the foil, layer the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, and put the dish back in the oven for 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
08 -
Serve while it's nice and hot. Enjoy!
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
If you let the pasta cool, it's easier to fill without tearing.
02 -
Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles if you're going meat-free.