Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

If you love the rich, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, you’ll absolutely adore these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. This dish combines the best of two worlds: the cheesy, meaty goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak and the comforting, hearty texture of jumbo pasta shells. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these stuffed shells are baked to perfection with a blend of gooey mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step, from preparing the filling to baking the dish to golden, cheesy perfection. It’s a meal that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make!

 

Preparation Time 

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye steak
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

 

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse the pasta shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Philly Cheesesteak Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or thinly sliced steak, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir until the cheese begins to melt slightly, creating a cheesy, savory filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the Philly cheesesteak filling.
4. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
6. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a side, roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad work perfectly to balance out the richness of the dish.

 

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the warmth and heartiness of baked pasta. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

The combination of tender pasta shells, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara sauce makes every bite a delicious, satisfying experience. Plus, the leftovers taste just as amazing the next day!

So, whether you’re a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, pasta, or simply love cheesy, meaty goodness, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Try it out and enjoy the comforting flavors of this irresistible meal!