This comforting cheesy beef stuffed shells recipe brings together tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich, savory mixture of ground beef, sautéed onions, and creamy tomato sauce. As the onions soften in a bit of oil, they build the flavorful base for the lightly cooked beef, which remains pleasantly juicy. A dusting of flour helps thicken the filling before tomato sauce, heavy cream, and melted cheese are stirred in, creating a luscious, hearty mixture. Each shell cradles about a tablespoon of this creamy beef blend, making every bite satisfying and well-balanced.
Once the stuffed shells are nestled into a casserole dish, they’re topped generously with the remaining shredded cheese. A quick bake in the oven at 350°F melts everything into a gooey, golden topping while allowing the flavors to fully come together. The result is a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a warm, cheesy pasta bake that feels like pure comfort.
By Alena Kulai
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 16 oz ground beef Add to Cart
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz tomato, marinara, or spaghetti sauce
- 6 oz shredded Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions.
- In a skillet over low–medium heat, sauté the diced onion in oil until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, leaving it slightly pink.
- Lightly season, sprinkle in the flour, and stir well to coat the meat.
- Add the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and half of the cheese. Mix until combined and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Spread a couple of tablespoons of the beef mixture across the bottom of a large casserole dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture and arrange them side-by-side in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
A big thank you to the author for this comforting cheesy beef stuffed shells recipe using our US Wellness Meats 100% grass-fed and finished beef! For more delicious ideas like this, be sure to check out the Discover blog and get inspired for your next cozy meal.
Meet Alena Kulai, a home chef passionate about quick, easy, and flavorful meals. Inspired by her mother’s home cooking, she creates simple, no-waste recipes using high-quality ingredients to nourish her family. After struggling with gut issues, she discovered the benefits of organic, grass-fed meats, which now play a key role in her cooking. Her go-to dish? Beef Chow Mein Stir Fry—a delicious way to use up extra veggies with no complaints! A big thank you to Alena for participating as our April 2025 Featured Chef. Find more of her flavorful recipes on Instagram & Pinterest: @alenasflavors.
