For a richer flavor, use ground beef with a higher fat content. Don't overcook the pasta shells, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Feel free to add other vegetables to the beef mixture, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. If you don't have marinara sauce on hand, you can use your favorite tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs.
Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME55 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 10 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS16
Deconstructed and utterly delicious! This Unstuffed Shells Pasta Bake delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed shells, without the fuss of stuffing. A hearty, family-friendly meal that's perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate28 g
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Cholesterol135 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein32 g
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Saturated Fat14 g
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Sodium1011 mg
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Sugar8 g
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Fat30 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
0 mins
Gather all ingredients.
02
Step
9 mins
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well and set pasta aside.
03
Step
0 mins
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
04
Step
10 mins
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add ground sirloin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is lightly browned but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add onion and 1 tablespoon garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
05
Step
3 mins
Reduce heat to medium; stir in marinara sauce, and cook, stirring occasionally, just until beginning to simmer, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
06
Step
0 mins
While beef mixture cooks, stir together ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, egg, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined. Gently fold in cooked pasta until evenly coated.
07
Step
0 mins
Transfer 1/2 of the beef mixture (about 2 cups) into the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer. Top evenly with pasta mixture.
08
Step
0 mins
Spread remaining beef mixture over pasta layer, and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
09
Step
35 mins
Cover baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling around the edges and cheese is just beginning to melt, about 25 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until cheese is fully melted and pasta is heated through, about 10 minutes more.
10
Step
0 mins
Remove from oven and serve, garnished with basil.
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Mina Crona
Jun 24, 2025I added some spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients. It was delicious!
Catherine Mann
Jun 23, 2025I thought it was good, but a little bland. I added some extra garlic and red pepper flakes next time.
Brian Gulgowski
Jun 22, 2025I loved how customizable this recipe is. I used different cheeses and vegetables based on what I had on hand.
Sheila Leannon
Jun 15, 2025I would suggest using fresh herbs if you have them. It really elevates the flavor.
Izaiah Kulas
Jun 6, 2025My kids are picky eaters, but they devoured this! Definitely going into our regular rotation.
Augusta Quigley
Jun 1, 2025This recipe was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight! So easy to throw together and the whole family loved it.
Sophie Greenfelder
Jun 1, 2025I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit. Everyone asked for the recipe!
Myrtice Willms
May 19, 2025The tip about assembling it ahead of time was so helpful. It made dinner time so much less stressful.