These Lasagna Stuffed Shells are simple to assemble and bake into a comforting family meal. They capture all the familiar flavors of lasagna in an easy, portable format.
I love stuffed shells — they’re a classic for a reason. In this version I used the flavors of traditional lasagna: seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, plenty of mozzarella and savory spaghetti sauce. The result is a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s great for weeknights or for serving guests.
How to make Lasagna Stuffed Shells
Follow these clear steps to assemble and bake your lasagna stuffed shells. Read through the ingredients and instructions before you start so everything is prepped and ready.
Step one: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Step two: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside. Tip: avoid overcooking since the shells will finish in the oven.
Step three: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, then add the ground beef. Cook and crumble until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
Step four: In a bowl combine the ricotta cheese with 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, one large egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Combine the cheese mixture with the cooked ground beef to make the filling. Spoon the filling into each jumbo shell and place the filled shells in the prepared casserole dish.
Pour about 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish before arranging the shells. After placing all shells in the dish, spread the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the shells and top with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 5–10 minutes more until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo shells
- 1 teaspoon oil (olive oil or other cooking oil)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 26 oz spaghetti sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook jumbo shells until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- Heat oil and sauté the diced onion until soft. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper and drain.
- In a bowl combine ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix the cheese mixture with the cooked beef to form the filling.
- Spread about 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce across the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon filling into each shell and place them upright in the casserole.
- Top the shells with remaining spaghetti sauce and the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–10 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest briefly before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Don’t overcook the shells; al dente pasta will hold its shape after baking.
- Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetables.
- Use homemade or your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce. For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce with garlic and fresh herbs before using.
- Make ahead: assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 2 shells | Calories: 284 kcal | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 17 g | Carbohydrates: 9 g
If you make this recipe, enjoy sharing it with friends and family. These lasagna stuffed shells are a reliable, comforting dish that reheats well and freezes beautifully—perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal.
