If you love the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, this Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells recipe will be a game-changer for your dinner table. Juicy, seasoned ground beef or thinly sliced steak, sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and garlic, is combined with melty mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese, all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells and baked in a rich marinara sauce.
This dish is the perfect blend of hearty, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy & Flavorful – A creamy, gooey cheese filling with a hint of garlic and spice.
Easy to Make – Simple steps that come together in about 45 minutes.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Customizable – Swap the steak for chicken, add mushrooms, or spice it up with jalapeños.
Ingredients
For the Cheesesteak Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Cheese Mixture
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Marinara & Baking
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, making sure they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Cook the Cheesesteak Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sliced steak, along with the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling
- Once the filling has cooled, stir in:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded provolone
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Mix well until the cheese is evenly combined with the meat mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the cheesesteak mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam-side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and provolone cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Golden & Bubbly
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and cheesy dish pairs beautifully with:
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce.
Fresh Green Salad – A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the stuffed shells.
Roasted Vegetables – A simple side of roasted zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms adds extra nutrition.
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells
Use High-Quality Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercooked shells hold their shape better and won’t become mushy after baking.
Let the Filling Cool Slightly Before Stuffing – This makes it easier to handle and helps the cheese blend smoothly.
Customize Your Filling – Add mushrooms, swap in spicy sausage, or mix in a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This meal is hearty and indulgent, but also packed with nutrients:
Protein-Packed – Beef and cheese provide high-quality protein.
Vitamin-Rich – Bell peppers and onions add a dose of vitamins A and C.
Calcium-Boosted – The blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan offers essential calcium for strong bones.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For long-term storage, assemble the stuffed shells without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite
A creative and fun twist on traditional stuffed shells.
Brings together two classics – pasta and cheesesteak – into one comforting dish.
Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or even a dinner party.
This Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells recipe is a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.