Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea that will please even the pickiest eaters in your household? Look no further than these Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells! A delightful twist on traditional stuffed shells, this recipe combines savory ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and a blend of cheeses all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells. Baked until bubbly and golden, these individual portions are a hit with kids and adults alike.

I stumbled upon this Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells recipe when my kids vetoed lasagna for being “too complicated,” and it has since become a regular favorite in our household. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – no intricate layering required! Just mix, stuff, bake, and enjoy. The combination of flavors and textures in each bite is sure to make this dish a regular on your weeknight dinner rotation. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer in terms of both taste and convenience!

Quick Benefits

• Easy to prepare and feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen
• Kid-friendly and picky eater approved – great for family meals
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for meal prep and busy weeknights
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, flavors intensify

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Dinner Recipe Recipe

• Easy to Make: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love these stuffed shells because they are fun to eat and packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for feeding a group of people without the hassle of layering a lasagna.
• Make-Ahead Option: Ideal for meal prep – make a big batch and freeze for later.
• Flavorful and Rich: The combination of cream cheese, beef, and various cheeses creates a rich and indulgent dish that everyone will love.
• Leftovers Improve with Time: The flavors meld and intensify, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day.
• Portion Control: Serving the shells individually makes portion control easy and ensures a neat presentation.
• Versatile: Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 box large shell pasta
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 8 oz cream cheese

How to Make Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Get Started

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook shell pasta until tender according to package instructions, then drain and cool before handling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Season with seasoned salt and pepper. Drain off excess grease once browned.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir cream cheese into skillet with beef until well combined and creamy using a meat masher or sturdy spoon.

Step 4: Mix in the Cheese

Combine the parmesan cheese and half of the cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until cheeses start to melt. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use an additional dish if needed for any remaining shells.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Bake

Evenly spread spaghetti sauce over stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Add Final Cheese

Remove foil from dish, sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top evenly. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve hot.

Storage Tips

Once the Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells are cooked and ready to store, you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. The stuffed shells can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven until heated through.

If you want to freeze the Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells for later use, prepare the dish but do not bake it. Instead, cover the uncooked stuffed shells tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the stuffed shells overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the recipe. Freezing the dish before baking helps maintain the texture and flavors of the ingredients. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious, homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. This switch will reduce the overall fat content while still providing a flavorful protein base for the filling. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to experiment with alternatives such as gouda, provolone, or Swiss in place of the cheddar or mozzarella. These cheeses will bring their own unique flavors to the dish while still providing the gooey, melty texture that is essential for stuffed shells.

For a vegetarian twist on this recipe, consider replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. This change will still provide a hearty and protein-rich element to the filling without the meat. You can also amp up the veggie content by adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try arranging the cream cheese and beef stuffed shells in a large, shallow serving dish in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the center. This not only makes for a visually appealing presentation, but also allows guests to easily pick out individual shells without disrupting the entire dish. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Another fun way to serve these stuffed shells is to create a DIY pasta bar for a casual gathering. Set up a station with the stuffed shells, extra marinara sauce, additional shredded cheese, and toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or diced tomatoes. Let guests build their own customized stuffed shell creations, encouraging creativity and personalization. This interactive serving style adds a fun twist to the meal and allows everyone to tailor their dish to their liking.

FAQs for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for large shell pasta, you can easily substitute with jumbo pasta shells, conchiglie, or any other type of pasta that can be stuffed and baked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells for later. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.

How can I reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftover stuffed shells, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated to your liking.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells a try and discover for yourself just how delicious and comforting they are. The blend of creamy cheese, savory beef, and perfectly cooked pasta shells is sure to become a favorite in your household too. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long ingredient list or steps; this recipe is actually quite simple to put together and the end result is so worth it. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.

Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and sharing delicious meals with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the aroma of these Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells fill your kitchen. The joy of seeing your friends and family savoring each bite will make every moment spent preparing this dish truly rewarding. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more memorable meals centered around these delectable Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells!

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

“Lazy lasagna meets creamy indulgence in these Cream Cheese and Beef Stuffed Shells—a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free meal that’s a guaranteed hit!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time50 Minutes

Total Time70 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 box large shell pasta
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 8 oz cream cheese

Instructions

1. Get Started: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook shell pasta until tender according to package instructions, then drain and cool before handling.
2. Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Season with seasoned salt and pepper. Drain off excess grease once browned.
3. Add the Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir cream cheese into skillet with beef until well combined and creamy using a meat masher or sturdy spoon.
4. Mix in the Cheese: Combine the parmesan cheese and half of the cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until cheeses start to melt. Remove from heat.
5. Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use an additional dish if needed for any remaining shells.
6. Add Sauce and Bake: Evenly spread spaghetti sauce over stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until heated through.
7. Add Final Cheese: Remove foil from dish, sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top evenly. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve hot.