When you want a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, meatball stuffed shell pasta is an absolute winner. This recipe features jumbo pasta shells generously filled with savory, tender meatballs that are baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese.
You’re going to love how this dish combines classic Italian flavors with a fun twist that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The meatball stuffed shell pasta is satisfying and can easily become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling meal that satisfies big appetites.
- Combines pasta and meatballs in one easy-to-serve dish.
- Perfect for prepping ahead and baking when ready.
- Layered with melty cheese for irresistible comfort food appeal.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious meatball stuffed shell pasta, combining homemade meatballs, pasta shells, sauce, and cheese.
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
How to Make Meatball Stuffed Shell Pasta Recipe by Tasty
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes, but do not cook through. Remove and set aside.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with one meatball, then place the stuffed shells in the sauce, open side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meatball stuffed shell pasta!
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Cook shells just until al dente so they hold their shape during baking.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for bright, fresh flavor.
- Allow the baked dish to rest a few minutes before serving to set the sauce.
- Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different twist.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatball stuffed shell pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked dish by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake uncovered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and brown the meatballs a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and assemble the stuffed shells just before baking for a convenient meal prep option.
What type of pasta shells work best?
Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for stuffing with meatballs because of their size and shape. They hold the filling well and cook evenly during baking.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Store-bought marinara sauce works great and saves time, but homemade sauce adds a personal touch if you have the time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the assembled dish freezes well either before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw fully before reheating.
