Cheesy Magic: Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe for Dinner Joy

Pasta shells brimming with classic Philadelphia cheesesteak ingredients promise a mouthwatering twist on two beloved comfort foods.

Melted cheese and tender beef create an irresistible combination that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Hearty shells packed with savory meat capture the essence of street-corner sandwich magic.

Philly’s iconic sandwich meets Italian pasta in a delightful culinary crossover.

Crisp bell peppers and caramelized onions add layers of rich, complex flavor.

Minimal kitchen skills can produce this crowd-pleasing dish that sparks instant dinner excitement.

You’ll want to serve these shells immediately while the cheese remains gloriously molten and inviting.

Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells: Melty Philly in Pasta

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Blend the classic cheesesteak sandwich with pasta shells for a mouthwatering twist that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for sliced steak, adjust vegetable combinations, or add different cheese types to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Create a complete meal in a single baking dish that combines protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, making cleanup and preparation incredibly simple for busy home cooks.
• Wow Weeknight Crowds: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills and standard kitchen ingredients.

Must-Have Stuff for Cheesesteak Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding the delicious cheesesteak filling.

• Ground Beef, Sliced Steak: Rich protein that gives the classic cheesesteak flavor.
• Onions, Green Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Vegetables that add depth and traditional cheesesteak texture.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy and gooey texture.
• Alfredo Sauce: Adds a rich and smooth base for the stuffed shells.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and tangy finish to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor to the meat.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides an extra layer of herbal complexity.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells—The Easy Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Toss in a generous pinch of salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain the shells and let them chill out while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle Veggie Goodness

Heat up a large skillet with a splash of olive oil.

Toss in chopped onions, sliced green bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.

Let them dance and sizzle until they’re soft and golden, releasing their mouthwatering aromas.

Step 3: Brown The Meat

Add ground beef or thinly sliced steak to the skillet.

Cook the meat until it’s beautifully browned and crispy.

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Give everything a good stir and let the flavors mingle for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Take each cooled pasta shell and generously fill it with the meaty mixture.

Nestle these stuffed shells snugly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheese over the shells.

Drizzle creamy Alfredo sauce across the top, making sure every shell gets some love.

Top with another blanket of cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 7: Add Extra Flavor

Dust the top with Italian seasoning to give it an extra flavor punch.

Step 8: First Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 9: Final Crisp

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with gorgeous golden edges.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes.

This helps them set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Spectacular!

Tips for Cheesesteak Shells That Wow

• Ensure pasta is al dente by testing texture and avoiding overcooking to prevent mushy shells.
• Let pasta shells cool on a flat surface to prevent sticking and maintain their shape for easy stuffing.
• Sauté vegetables until caramelized to enhance their natural sweetness and add rich complexity to the dish.
• Pat ground beef or steak dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess liquid in the filling.
• Let cheese rest for a few minutes after baking to create a perfect, gooey texture without becoming overly runny.

Creative Twists for Philly-Style Shells

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed portobello mushrooms for a meat-free cheesesteak experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Philly Chicken Remix: Substitute beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and use provolone cheese to create a chicken cheesesteak inspired shell.

Serving Cheesesteak Shells with Flair

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging the stuffed shells on a large wooden board with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan sprinkled around.
• Protein Power Pairing: Complement the dish with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetable medley to balance the rich cheesesteak flavors and add nutritional variety.
• Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Serve directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the comfort food together.
• Leftover Love Transformation: Reheat shells the next day and top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast remake that breathes new life into the original recipe.

Storing Your Cheesesteak Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Transfer cooled shells to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Are jumbo pasta shells necessary for this recipe?

Yes, jumbo pasta shells are crucial because they provide enough space to hold the beef and vegetable mixture, creating a perfect stuffed shell texture.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely! While the recipe suggests ground beef or sliced steak, you can substitute with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a different protein option.

• Is Worcestershire sauce mandatory?

While not absolutely essential, Worcestershire sauce adds depth and enhances the meat’s flavor, providing a classic cheesesteak-like taste to the dish.

• How spicy will this recipe be?

This recipe is mild with standard seasonings. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the meat cooking process.

Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets innovation in these cheesesteak stuffed shells, blending Philly sandwich flavors with pasta perfection. Melted provolone, tender beef, and caramelized peppers create a mouthwatering meal sure to satisfy hungry diners at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Base:

• 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak
• 20 jumbo pasta shells

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)

Cheese and Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge jumbo pasta shells, cooking until they reach al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and allow shells to cool completely.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
3. Add ground beef or sliced steak to the vegetable mixture, browning thoroughly. Incorporate minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and permit slight cooling.
4. Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Arrange stuffed shells strategically within the prepared baking dish.
6. Distribute half of the shredded cheese across the stuffed shells. Gently pour Alfredo sauce, ensuring even coverage. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle Parmesan for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Dust the entire dish with Italian seasoning to elevate the overall taste experience.
8. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and transfer to preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
10. Allow the cheesesteak stuffed shells to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the filling to set and cooling slightly before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or sliced steak to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Drain cooked meat thoroughly to prevent soggy shells and maintain a crisp texture.
• Consider using whole wheat pasta shells for added fiber and nutritional value.
• Substitute dairy-free cheese and lactose-free Alfredo sauce to make the recipe suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg