Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes Recipe
A hearty and delicious recipe featuring large pasta tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and three cheeses, baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Pasta:
- 12 large pasta tubes (such as cannelloni or jumbo shells)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Pasta Tubes: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture, packing it in well.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta tubes side by side in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring they’re fully covered. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your beef and cheese stuffed pasta tubes!
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the pasta tubes before stuffing to prevent them from becoming too soft after baking.
- You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid excess water in the filling.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal note but is optional.
