When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfying combination of pasta, cheese, and ground beef. This Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful twist on the classic stuffed shells dish, blending the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of ricotta and Cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd—whether it’s your family or a group of friends. With its rich layers of savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become an instant hit in your household.
Gathering Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful combination of ingredients, each contributing something unique to the final dish. At the heart of the recipe are jumbo pasta shells, which serve as the perfect vessel for stuffing. Lean ground beef provides a rich, meaty base that mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger. Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic add depth and umami, while diced tomatoes bring a touch of acidity and freshness.
For the creamy filling, we use ricotta cheese mixed with shredded Cheddar, Parmesan, an egg, and fresh parsley. This combination creates a luscious, cheesy interior that pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. To tie everything together, a double Cheddar pasta sauce (like Ragu®) adds richness and ties the dish together with its bold, cheesy flavor.
Preparing the Dish: A Step-by-Step Journey
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how methodical yet rewarding the process feels. It starts with boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta shells. While the shells cook until al dente, I prep the other components. Timing is key here; multitasking ensures everything comes together seamlessly.
Once the shells are drained and set aside, I move on to cooking the ground beef mixture. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the beef along with chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. As the beef sizzles and the onions soften, the kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma that sets the tone for the meal. After draining any excess grease, the beef mixture is ready to be combined with the creamy cheese blend.
In a large bowl, I mix the cooked beef with ricotta cheese, shredded Cheddar, an egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The result is a thick, flavorful filling that’s ready to be stuffed into the pasta shells. Using a spoon, I carefully fill each shell with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture, creating little bundles of deliciousness
