Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender pasta shells or tubes filled with a savory beef mixture and baked under a blanket of melty, golden cheese. This satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions where comfort food is a must.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its combination of textures and flavors—tender pasta, juicy seasoned beef, and creamy, melted cheese in every bite. It is filling, easy to make ahead, and ideal for feeding a crowd. The dish is also highly adaptable: you can swap out cheeses, add vegetables, or adjust seasoning to suit your preferences. Its impressive appearance makes it perfect for both casual meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large pasta shells or cannelloni
- Ground beef
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creamy filling)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon the beef mixture into each pasta shell. Place filled shells in a baking dish.
- Pour extra tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable addition: Mix chopped spinach or zucchini into the beef filling.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Cheese swap: Use provolone, fontina, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- Creamier filling: Mix ricotta or cottage cheese with the beef for a richer filling.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave portions gently. The dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for stuffing?
Large pasta shells or cannelloni tubes are ideal for holding the beef mixture.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, both work well as lighter alternatives to beef.
How do I keep the pasta from tearing?
Cook just until al dente and handle gently when filling.
Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure the pasta is well-covered with sauce before baking.
Can I add more sauce?
Yes, add extra sauce for a saucier dish, especially if baking ahead.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze unbaked stuffed pasta?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Increase the mozzarella or add a layer of cheese inside the stuffed pasta as well.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines savory beef, tender pasta, and rich melted cheese into one irresistible meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish promises to be a satisfying favorite that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
PrintCheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta
Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender pasta shells or tubes filled with a savory beef mixture and baked under a blanket of melty, golden cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions where comfort food is a must.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Large pasta shells or cannelloni
- Ground beef
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creamy filling)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon the beef mixture into each pasta shell. Place filled shells in a baking dish.
- Pour extra tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Vegetable addition: Mix chopped spinach or zucchini into the beef filling.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Cheese swap: Use provolone, fontina, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- Creamier filling: Mix ricotta or cottage cheese with the beef for a richer filling.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave portions. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg