Name: Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste; 1/2 cup water or beef broth; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp granulated sugar; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese; 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups for filling, 1.5 cups for topping); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for filling), plus extra for topping; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 (12-oz) package jumbo pasta shells (30-35 shells)

Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy – imagine a comforting pasta dish that effortlessly brings warmth and joy to your dinner table. This iconic Italian-American classic has long been a go-to for families seeking a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I know how precious your time is, and that’s precisely why I’m so excited to share this simplified approach to a beloved culinary tradition.

Originating from the rich culinary heritage of Italy, jumbo pasta shells, or conchiglie grandi, have been embraced and adapted in homes across the world, becoming synonymous with hearty, home-cooked goodness. The magic truly happens when these generously sized shells are overflowing with a creamy, seasoned ricotta mixture, often combined with other delightful cheeses and sometimes savory ground meat, all blanketed in a vibrant marinara sauce and baked to golden, bubbly perfection.

Why This Dish Steals Hearts (And Taste Buds!)

What makes people consistently fall in love with Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy? It’s the irresistible combination of textures and flavors: the tender pasta, the rich and savory cheese filling, and the bright, tangy tomato sauce, all coming together in a symphony of comfort. It’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. My recipe focuses on ensuring you can achieve that deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality taste with remarkable ease, making it a true kitchen hero.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Cheesy Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (1.5 cups for filling, 0.5 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 (12-ounce) package jumbo pasta shells (about 30-35 shells)
For Assembly and Topping:
- Additional 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Robust Meat Sauce

Begin by browning your chosen meat: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want to brown it evenly until no pink remains, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease from the pot. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for our delicious Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy recipe.
Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and begins to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make it bitter.
Build the tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste by allowing it to caramelize slightly, removing any raw tomato taste.
Combine all sauce ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and granulated sugar. The sugar helps to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more balanced and mellow sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Simmer for richness: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes. If you have more time, an hour or even longer is even better, as the flavors will meld and deepen beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a little more water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking before serving. A well-seasoned sauce is key to the overall success of these Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy.

Crafting the Irresistible Cheesy Filling

Prepare your cheese blend: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Using whole milk ricotta and softened cream cheese will contribute to an incredibly creamy and luscious filling, truly making these “Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy” live up to their name.
Add the flavor enhancers: To the cheese mixture, add the lightly beaten large egg, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil (or dried basil if using), and garlic powder. The egg acts as a binder, helping the filling to hold its shape during baking, while the herbs infuse a wonderful freshness and aroma.
Season to perfection: Season the filling generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that cheeses can be salty, so taste a small amount (before adding the egg if you’re concerned about raw egg consumption, or simply trust your instincts with salt). Mix everything together very well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and creamy. I like to use a sturdy spoon or even my hands (with gloves!) to really get it combined thoroughly. This creamy, flavorful filling is the heart of our Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy recipe, so take your time to get it just right.

Perfecting the Pasta Shells

Boil the water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water not only seasons the pasta from within but also helps to prevent the shells from sticking together.
Cook the shells al dente: Add the jumbo pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, but aim for about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time. We want them to be al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite but still pliable. They will finish cooking in the oven, so undercooking them slightly prevents them from becoming mushy. This is a small but important detail for perfect Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy.
Cool and prepare for stuffing: Once cooked to al dente, drain the shells thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Gently separate any shells that might be clinging to one another. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet or clean kitchen towel to cool slightly while you prepare for stuffing. This cooling step makes them much easier to handle without tearing.

Assembling Your Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy Masterpiece

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you place your assembled dish inside, allowing for even baking and a beautifully golden-brown finish.
Prepare your baking dish: Spread about 1.5 to 2 cups of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom of a large 9×13-inch baking dish. You want a nice, even layer that will cradle the stuffed shells and keep them moist during baking. This forms the foundational layer for our Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy.
Stuff the shells: This is where the magic happens! Take one cooked jumbo shell at a time. Gently open it up with your fingers. Using a small spoon (a teaspoon works perfectly) or a piping bag (if you want to be extra neat, though it’s not necessary for these Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy), carefully fill each shell with a generous amount of the cheesy filling. I usually aim for about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of filling per shell, making sure it’s nicely mounded. Don’t overstuff to the point where they burst, but don’t be shy either – we’re going for cheesy goodness!
Arrange the shells: As you stuff each shell, arrange it snugly in the prepared baking dish over the layer of meat sauce. Place them open-side up, or on their side, fitting them as closely as possible without overlapping too much. Depending on the size of your shells and dish, you might get 30-35 shells in a single layer. If you have a few leftover shells or a smaller dish, you can layer them slightly, but a single layer generally bakes more evenly.
Cover with more sauce and cheese: Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged, pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the shells, making sure most of them are covered. This will keep the pasta from drying out and ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over everything. This final layer of cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden crust, making these Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy truly irresistible.

Baking to Golden Perfection and Serving

Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the shells, ensuring they cook through evenly and the cheese filling gets wonderfully hot and gooey without the top browning too quickly. Place the covered dish in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Bake uncovered for a golden top: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that lovely browned crust and hear the sauce gently bubbling around the edges. This uncovered baking phase is essential for achieving that delightful texture and visual appeal of our Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy.
Rest before serving: Once out of the oven, let the Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it much easier to scoop out individual portions without them falling apart. It also prevents you from burning your mouth on the piping hot cheese!
Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in! These Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy are perfect on their own or alongside a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Get ready for rave reviews; this dish is a true crowd-pleaser and a staple in my kitchen!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite recipe for a dish that truly delivers on all fronts. We’ve explored the layers of rich, creamy ricotta, the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, and the subtle tang of Parmesan, all nestled within tender pasta shells, bathed in a vibrant marinara sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a comfort food masterpiece that manages to feel both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly simple to prepare. I can confidently say that this dish is a culinary hug on a plate, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone around your table. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without demanding hours of intricate work in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its fantastic balance of flavors and textures, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. I really believe it has the power to become a staple in your meal rotation, offering both convenience and incredible flavor. It’s truly a must-try for anyone looking for that perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and convenience, making these Cheesy Stuffed Shells Easy to love and even easier to make.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

For serving, I always recommend pairing these glorious shells with something fresh to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad, perhaps with a zesty vinaigrette, is the perfect counterpoint. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber – simple elegance. And, of course, no pasta dish is complete without some warm, crusty garlic bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A glass of your favorite red wine, like a Chianti or a Merlot, would also elevate the entire dining experience to something truly special. But don’t feel limited to these suggestions! This recipe is incredibly versatile.

Want to add some protein? Browned Italian sausage or ground beef can be mixed right into the cheese filling for a heartier meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. For my vegetarian friends looking for an extra kick of veggies, consider finely chopping fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers and gently folding them into the ricotta mixture. You could even experiment with different cheese combinations – a touch of smoked gouda or provolone could add an exciting new dimension to the flavor profile, bringing a sophisticated twist to this classic. And for those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce or even stirred into the cheese filling can really wake up the taste buds and add a delightful warmth. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own; it’s designed to be adaptable to your personal preferences and whatever delicious ingredients you happen to have on hand in your pantry or fridge. This flexibility is one of the many reasons I adore this recipe – it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Your Turn: Share Your Cheesy Stuffed Shells Experience!

Now, I’ve shared my secrets and my passion for this fantastic dish, and it’s your turn! I truly hope you’re feeling inspired to roll up your sleeves and give these wonderful Cheesy Stuffed Shells a try in your own kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about creating a delicious meal from scratch and seeing the joy it brings to others. The aroma filling your home, the anticipation at the dinner table, and those first contented bites – it’s all part of the magical experience that cooking offers. This recipe, in particular, has a way of turning an ordinary evening into something truly special.

Once you’ve had a chance to whip up this comforting masterpiece, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? Perhaps a secret ingredient that made it even more amazing? What did your family and friends think? Was it a hit at your dinner party or a cozy success for a quiet night in? Please don’t hesitate to come back and share your thoughts, your photos (if you’re feeling extra proud!), and any modifications you made in the comments section below. Your feedback and creativity not only make my day but also inspire other home cooks in our community, offering new perspectives and exciting ideas. Let’s build a wonderful collection of experiences and variations around this recipe. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I can’t wait to hear all about it!