Creamy Cheesy Beef Bolognese Stuffed Pasta Shells Made Simple

There is something especially comforting about tender pasta filled with rich beef bolognese and creamy melted cheese. Stuffed pasta shells look impressive on the table but are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners or relaxed evenings when you want a warm and satisfying meal. The combination of soft pasta, flavorful beef sauce, and creamy cheese creates a wonderful blend of textures that feels cozy and homemade. The creamy bolognese brings together tomatoes, beef, aromatics, and a touch of cream, while the cheese filling uses ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and herbs for extra richness. Once baked, everything melts together beautifully into a dish that feels hearty yet simple to make. This recipe gives you clear measurements, easy steps, helpful tips, and serving ideas so you can create a delicious meal with confidence.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the exact measurements you will need to prepare this dish.

For the Beef Bolognese Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 half cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• One fourth teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• One fourth cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Cheese Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• One fourth cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• One fourth teaspoon salt
• One fourth teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta Shells and Topping

• 20 to 25 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
• Two tablespoons grated parmesan cheese for topping
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Beef Bolognese Sauce

Cook the onion and garlic in olive oil, then brown the beef. Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cream, seasoning, and sugar. Let it simmer until thick and finish with parmesan for a rich creamy sauce ready to fill the shells.

Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo shells in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cool water so they stay firm and do not stick.

Prepare the Cheese Filling

Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and thick enough to spoon into the shells.

Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Preheat the oven, spread a little sauce in the dish, fill each shell with cheese and a spoon of bolognese, arrange them in one layer, cover with the remaining sauce, and top with mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake the Stuffed Shells

Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden. Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving so the shells hold their shape and the filling stays creamy.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is very easy to customize. You can make the sauce richer with extra cream or brighten it with fresh basil or parsley. Add spinach to the cheese filling for more greens or increase red pepper flakes for extra heat. You can boost the savory flavor with more garlic or switch up the cheese by using provolone or fontina. It also works well with ground turkey or chicken, and you can lighten it by using part skim ricotta. Adjust the seasoning, cheese blend, or sauce thickness as you like because this dish is flexible and always delicious.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of stuffed pasta shells has about 450 to 480 calories with roughly 24 grams of fat, around 35 grams of carbohydrates, and about 28 grams of protein. Sodium usually ranges from 650 to 750 milligrams. These values can vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy cheesy beef bolognese stuffed pasta shells pair well with fresh salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. They also go nicely with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted peppers, or tomatoes and cucumber tossed in olive oil and herbs. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep or serving alongside light salads, fruit, or Italian style appetizers when hosting guests.

Frequently Asked Questions