Name: Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup onion, chopped; 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups pasta sauce; 2 tablespoons Kikkoman® Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce; 1½ cups ricotta cheese; ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh chopped basil for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a comforting Italian-inspired meal that bursts with rich flavors and textures, you have to try these Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce. This dish perfectly balances hearty, seasoned ground beef nestled inside tender jumbo pasta shells, all smothered in a luscious sauce that has a hint of roasted garlic teriyaki for an unexpected twist. The creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheeses add a luxurious touch, while the fresh basil garnish brightens every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends with a homemade feast, these stuffed shells bring warmth and satisfaction in every forkful.

Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the tender pasta shells that cradle the savory filling to the delicate mix of cheeses that create a creamy interior. The ground beef and a special kick of teriyaki marinade elevate the sauce beyond your typical tomato base, adding layers of flavor you won’t want to miss.

20 jumbo pasta shells: Big enough to hold a generous amount of cheesy, beefy filling.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions, adding richness without overpowering the sauce.
½ cup onion, chopped: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the beef sauce.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish truly satisfying.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that seasons the beef perfectly.
2 cups pasta sauce: The classic tomato base that ties all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons Kikkoman® Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce: Adds a unique, savory umami punch to the sauce.
1½ cups ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, soft filling inside the shells.
¾ + ¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Half goes inside for meltiness, half on top for that golden, bubbly crust.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness to the cheese mixture.
1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture together for easy stuffing.
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Freshness and a pop of green inside the cheese blend.
½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all the layers of flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
Fresh chopped basil for serving: Brightens the finished dish with an herbal note.

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Begin by boiling your jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente—meaning tender but still with a slight bite that won’t turn mushy after baking. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool just enough so you can handle them without breaking. These shells are the perfect little vessels for all that cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Savory Beef Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until they soften and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook it until it is mostly browned, roughly 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up so it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat, then season with Italian seasoning. Stir in the pasta sauce along with the Kikkoman® Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce. Let this simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing those savory and slightly sweet layers to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. The egg helps bind the cheeses together, so they hold their shape once baked, while the parsley adds a fresh boost of color and flavor inside the mixture.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells and Assemble

Gently fill each shell with the cheese mixture, making sure to evenly distribute it so every bite has a creamy surprise. Spread 1 cup of the prepared beef sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay your stuffed shells in a single layer over this saucy base—this keeps them from sticking and helps infuse flavor from below. Spoon the remaining beef sauce on top, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that irresistible golden topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 375°F oven for 25 minutes. This step warms the shells through and lets the flavors come together while keeping moisture inside. For the final touch, remove the foil and broil the dish for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and delightfully golden brown. Allow the stuffed shells to rest for 5 minutes to set up before serving.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the entire dish. This finishing herb adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness and makes every plate look as lovely as it tastes.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce

Garnishes

While fresh basil is the star garnish here, consider a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the flavors. A few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat are perfect too for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Side Dishes

Pair your Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements the dish nicely by soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a dinner party, serve the stuffed shells on a large platter garnished with basil leaves, cherry tomato halves, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also make individual portions in mini baking dishes or ramekins, perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests with personalized servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next day’s meal just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Freeze the unbaked stuffed shells and sauce assembly covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You can also freeze leftovers after baking, though texture is best when reheated gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning, then uncover for the last few minutes if you want to refresh the bubbly top.

FAQs

Can I make Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the shells and sauce, then refrigerate before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn’t available, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese for a slightly different texture but still creamy result.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini to create a delicious vegetarianStuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce-inspired dish without sacrificing flavor.

Why do you use teriyaki sauce in this recipe?

The Kikkoman® Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade adds an unexpected umami depth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce, enhancing the overall savory profile.

Can I use smaller pasta shells?

While jumbo shells work best to hold the filling well, you can use medium shells, just expect to stuff more shells and potentially bake for a slightly shorter time.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend making these Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce enough. They perfectly combine comfort and creativity with every cheesy, meaty bite. Serve it for a loved one or enjoy as a special treat for yourself—you’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for a cozy night in or dinner celebrations!

Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Delicious jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, baked in a savory beef sauce infused with Italian seasoning and roasted garlic teriyaki marinade, and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil for a comforting Italian-American meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly, making them easier to handle for stuffing.
Prepare Beef Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until mostly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
Season and Simmer Sauce: Season the cooked beef with Italian seasoning. Stir in the pasta sauce and roasted garlic teriyaki marinade, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors nicely.
Make Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Stuff Shells: Fill each slightly cooled pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring each shell is generously stuffed for maximum flavor and texture.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of the beef sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the top of the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake and Broil: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let the baked shells rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a burst of fresh flavor and attractive presentation.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente to hold filling without breaking.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian option, adjusting cook times as needed.
If you don’t have Kikkoman® Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade, a mix of soy sauce and minced garlic can be used as a substitute, though flavor will differ slightly.
Fresh basil can be replaced with fresh parsley or oregano if preferred.
Make sure to cover with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from drying out, then broil at the end for a perfect golden topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American