If you’re a fan of both cheeseburgers and pasta, then you’re in for a real treat with this Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe. This dish takes the classic cheeseburger and gives it a fun, pasta-filled twist. Picture large pasta shells stuffed with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all topped off with your favorite cheeseburger condiments. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger in the form of a hearty, comforting pasta dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a crowd-pleasing dinner for guests, these Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells will definitely be a hit.

In this article, we will walk you through every step of making these stuffed pasta shells, discuss some variations and tips for perfecting the dish, and explore how you can customize the recipe to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

There’s no doubt that the combination of cheese, beef, and pasta is a winning trio. However, when you stuff these ingredients into large pasta shells, you create a dish that’s both visually impressive and undeniably delicious. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Perfectly Stuffed Pasta Shells: Each shell is generously filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture, making every bite satisfying.
Cheeseburger Flavors: With ingredients like ketchup, mustard, and dill pickles, this dish captures all the classic cheeseburger flavors.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates a creamy, cheesy layer on top that perfectly complements the beef stuffing.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires only a few ingredients, and it’s easy to prepare even for beginner cooks. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and flavorful.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients and toppings based on your preferences. Add some bacon, swap out the ground beef for turkey, or make it extra cheesy!

Ingredients for Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

To make these delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

12 large pasta shells
The big, hearty pasta shells provide the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings.
1 lb ground beef
The foundation of your cheeseburger stuffing, providing all that savory, juicy flavor.
1 small onion, diced
For extra depth of flavor, the onion adds a savory sweetness that balances the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is essential for bringing out all the rich flavors of the beef and adds a little extra kick.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
This sauce adds umami flavor and enhances the savory richness of the beef.
½ tsp salt
A basic seasoning to balance the flavors in the beef.
½ tsp black pepper
Pepper adds a subtle hint of spice that complements the beef.
1 cup marinara sauce
This gives the dish a tomato-based flavor that brings all the ingredients together.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy richness that melts beautifully over the pasta shells.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese creates that gooey, stretchy cheese pull that makes the dish irresistible.
¼ cup dill pickles, diced
Pickles add a tangy crunch, giving the dish that classic cheeseburger bite.
¼ cup ketchup
Ketchup adds a bit of sweetness and a tangy element that rounds out the flavor profile.
2 tbsp mustard
Mustard brings a little acidity and sharpness, enhancing the overall cheeseburger taste.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

Making Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells is a simple process that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that will have your family asking for seconds.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough for when it’s time to bake your stuffed shells.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Next, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as they’ll bake in the oven later. Once cooked, drain the pasta shells and set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat to ensure the filling isn’t too greasy.

Step 4: Season & Mix

Once the beef is browned, stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper for seasoning. Then, add the marinara sauce and mix well. Finally, stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is well incorporated.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Now it’s time to fill the pasta shells. Use a spoon to stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef mixture, packing them in tightly to ensure they’re fully loaded with the filling. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Once all the shells are stuffed and placed in the baking dish, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the shells. The more cheese, the better!

Step 7: Bake the Shells

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed shells in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the shells are slightly crispy.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Once the shells are out of the oven, it’s time to garnish! Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the top of the shells, sprinkle with diced pickles, and finish with chopped fresh parsley. This final touch will add extra flavor and color to your dish.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Your Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells are ready to serve! This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for an even heartier meal. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

Use lean ground beef: For a lighter dish, opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content. You can also substitute the beef with ground turkey for a healthier version.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta shells can tear when you stuff them. Be sure to follow the package instructions to keep them firm and easy to handle.
Customize the toppings: Want to take this dish to the next level? Add some crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of pasta dishes or are looking for more comfort food recipes, check out these delicious options:

Bacon Mac and Cheese – A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta – A spicy, buttery pasta dish featuring Cajun sausage and garlic.
Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta – A creamy, flavorful pasta with smoky Cajun sausage and a rich Alfredo sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. When ready to bake, add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time since the shells will be cold.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are the best choices for melting and flavor, you can use any cheese you prefer. Try adding a bit of Monterey Jack, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different twist.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells. Many brands offer gluten-free pasta that will work perfectly for this dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the stuffed shells before baking. You can also use spicy mustard or hot sauce as a topping.

Can I freeze Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Simply assemble the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells are the perfect combination of two classic comfort foods – cheeseburgers and pasta – making them an irresistible option for your next family dinner or gathering. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these cheesy, beefy, and flavorful stuffed shells will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Easy Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (24 shells) 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These loaded cheeseburger stuffed pasta shells are the ultimate comfort food! A creative twist on the classic cheeseburger, this recipe combines savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, tangy pickles, and a rich marinara sauce, all packed into jumbo pasta shells. Finished off with a drizzle of ketchup and mustard, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

12 large pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup dill pickles, diced
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
Season & Mix: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, marinara sauce, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything until well combined.
Stuff Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the stuffed shells.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish & Serve: Drizzle the stuffed shells with ketchup and mustard, then sprinkle diced pickles and fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Customizable: You can add a variety of toppings to personalize these stuffed shells, such as bacon crumbles or sliced jalapeños.
Storage: Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them (without baking). Bake when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 stuffed shells
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells, Pasta Shells with Ground Beef, Cheesy Stuffed Pasta, Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe, Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells