If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, Easy Stuffed Shells with Pesto and Tomato Beef Sauce is your perfect go-to dish. This hearty Italian-American classic combines tender pasta shells stuffed with a savory ground beef filling, enveloped in a luscious tomato-pesto sauce, and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella cheese. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the pesto adds a fresh and aromatic flavor that takes this dish to the next level!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients :
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef (extra-lean preferred)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 500g (2 cups) tomato passata (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 450g (1 lb) giant pasta shells
- 100g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, grated
Substitutions & Notes:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use marinara sauce if passata isn’t available.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
1. Prepare the Tomato Beef Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring constantly, until no pink remains.
- Stir in oregano, salt, tomato passata, and basil pesto. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells
- Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water, following package instructions. To ensure the shells don’t overcook, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking. Let them cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a base layer.
- Arrange the cooked shells in a single layer, open side up. Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of the sauce mixture into each shell.
- If you have extra sauce, spread it over the shells. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly on top.
4. Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Expert Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 15g
- Dietary Labels: Nut-Free, Kid-Friendly
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free shells available at most grocery stores.
2. Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! A high-quality marinara or tomato-basil sauce will work perfectly as a time-saving alternative.
3. How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?
Avoid overcooking the pasta and handle it gently when draining and filling.
4. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Of course! Use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones and adjust baking time as needed.
Easy Stuffed Shells with Pesto and Tomato Beef Sauce
Learn how to make Easy Stuffed Shells with Pesto and Tomato Beef Sauce, a comforting, cheesy pasta dish bursting with flavor. This simple recipe combines tender pasta shells, a savory beef filling, and a rich tomato-pesto sauce for the perfect family meal!
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef (extra-lean preferred)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 500g (2 cups) tomato passata (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 450g (1 lb) giant pasta shells
- 100g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomato Beef Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring constantly, until no pink remains.
- Stir in oregano, salt, tomato passata, and basil pesto. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells
- Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water, following package instructions. To ensure the shells don’t overcook, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking. Let them cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a base layer.
- Arrange the cooked shells in a single layer, open side up. Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of the sauce mixture into each shell.
- If you have extra sauce, spread it over the shells. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly on top.
4. Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Hi there, I’m Chef Lisa, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating delicious dishes that bring people together. With years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends classic techniques with modern flavors. Whether I’m experimenting with new ingredients or putting a twist on a traditional recipe, my goal is always to create something that is both delicious and memorable. I’m excited to share my love of cooking with you and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
