Stuffed shells with ground beef and cottage cheese are an easy baked pasta dinner with a creamy, cheesy filling and rich marinara sauce. This version keeps things simple while still delivering that hearty, comforting flavor everyone expects.

It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a casual weekend dinner. It’s also one of my favorite meals to make when dropping off dinner for a friend or family, since it travels well and can easily feed a crowd. You can prep it ahead or count on leftovers the next day.

Instead of ricotta, this recipe uses cottage cheese for a lighter, creamy filling that still bakes up rich and satisfying. The result is a dish that feels familiar but just a little easier to pull together.

What to Know Before You Start

About 1 hour total. Most of the time is hands-off while the shells bake.
Cottage cheese creates a creamy, lighter filling. It blends with mozzarella and Parmesan to give you that classic texture without needing ricotta, while keeping the dish a little less heavy.
This is a great meal to share. It travels well, reheats easily, and makes enough to feed a family or drop off to someone who could use a meal.
The shells are easier to handle once cooled. Rinsing them with cool water and spreading them out prevents sticking and tearing.
The filling should be thick, not runny. This makes it easier to stuff the shells and helps them hold their shape while baking.
This is easy to prep ahead. Assemble everything earlier in the day and bake when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo pasta shells. These hold the filling and create that classic stuffed shell shape. Cook just until al dente so they don’t tear.
Ground beef. Adds hearty flavor and makes the dish more filling. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
Cottage cheese. The creamy base of the filling. It keeps the texture light while still rich once baked.
Mozzarella cheese. Melts into the filling and creates that gooey, cheesy top layer.
Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, savory finish and helps balance the richness.
Mayonnaise. A small amount adds extra creaminess and helps bind the filling together.
Marinara sauce. Brings everything together with a rich tomato base. Use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
Garlic. Adds depth and boosts the overall flavor of the beef.
Italian seasoning. A simple way to layer in classic Italian flavors.
Salt and black pepper. Essential for seasoning each layer.
Fresh parsley (optional). Adds a fresh finish right before serving.

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef and Cottage Cheese

This recipe uses a simple bake method where everything is assembled in one dish and finished in the oven until bubbly and golden.

Step 1

Cook the pasta shells in well-salted water according to package directions until just al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain, rinse with cool water, and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick together.

Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the shells by 1–2 minutes. They will continue cooking in the oven and this helps prevent tearing

Step 2

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

Carefully drain off any excess grease and let the beef cool slightly.

Pro Tip: If the beef is too hot, it can melt the cheese mixture and make the filling runny.

Spoonful of Flavor

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