Go Back

Italian Jumbo Shells Bolognese

Large pasta shells stuffed with rich Bolognese meat sauce and creamy cheese, baked until bubbly and golden for the ultimate Italian comfort meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
Pasta & Filling
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped
Topping
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and broth.
  5. Simmer sauce for 15–20 minutes.
  6. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
  7. Combine part of the Bolognese sauce with the cheese mixture.
  8. Stuff each pasta shell with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
  9. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
  10. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Make ahead and freeze for an easy weeknight dinner.