Pizza-Stuffed Pasta Shells are jumbo shells stuffed with ground beef, cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. These are a delicious way to turn your favorite slice into the perfect pasta dish!
We take pizza very seriously here in the Lofthouse. I take pride in my vast knowledge of food, because it’s my passion, and I see that my kids might be following in my footsteps. Especially when it comes to pizza. When I introduced them to my Pizza Stuffed Pasta Shells, I practically blew their minds. Who knew that a delicious piece of pizza could live inside pasta?
PIZZA STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Imagine taking your favorite pizza toppings and stuffing into a tender and jumbo pasta shell. You might not have the crust to nibble on with this recipe, but you’ll be swimming in tons of melted cheese and sauce.
INGREDIENTS FOR PIZZA STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
- 1-pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese, softened (can also use plain cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, cut into quarters divided
- 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce, divided
- 16 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
HOW TO MAKE PIZZA STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
This recipe begins by cooking lean ground beef with seasonings. Meanwhile, cook jumbo pasta shells to al dente. This is an important step because you don’t want to over cook the pasta before it goes into the oven.
Next, add half of the pepperonis, cream cheese and 1 cup of sauce to beef in skillet. Cook and stir until heated through and cream cheese is melted. Stuff each shell with 2 Tablespoons of the ground beef mixture. Place shells in a single layer in the pan. Cover shells evenly with the remaining pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THESE?
If you are missing the crust at the end of each slice, don’t worry! I highly recommend serving this recipe with my Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks and a green side salad. My kids love this dinner just as much as they love the pizza itself!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE THESE?
This dinner can go from the pan, into the oven, and right onto your dinner table in just under an hour. Whether you have some time on the weekend or need something rather simple on a weekday, this is a great recipe to go to.
HOW MANY SERVINGS DOES THIS MAKE?
This recipe makes about 4 servings. That is when using at least 16 pasta shells, which is 4 shells per person. Use a 9×13-inch pan when doubling the recipe.
ENJOY THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE MORE FAVORITE PIZZA INSPIRED DISHES!
Warm Pizza Dip – This cream cheese based dip is perfect for any party! All of your favorite pizza toppings are baked on top. Dip with chips or bread.
Mexican Pizza – Toss the dough to the side, and enjoy this Mexican inspired dish. Tortillas are stacked, and stuffed, with classic pizza toppings.
Supreme Pizza Crescent Ring – Buttery and flaky crescent dough is wrapped around sausage, pepperoni, green peppers and more.
Taco French Bread Pizza – A fresh loaf of French bread is the base for this taco inspired pizza loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, black olives, melted cheese, and much more!
Pizza-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese, softened (can also use plain cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, cut into quarters divided
- 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce divided
- 16 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook and crumble ground beef, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, until meat is browned. Drain any grease.
- Stir in cream cheese, 1 cup of the pizza sauce, and half of the pepperonis. Stir and cook until mixture is thoroughly heated and cream cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, boil the pasta shells in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain.
- Stuff each cooked shell with 2 tablespoons beef mixture and place in single layer in the prepared baking dish. Cover shells with remaining 2 cups pizza sauce. Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining half of the pepperoni.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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This looks SO fabulous! Love this fun dinner idea!