Why I Love This Recipe

Stuffed shells are one of my favorite comfort food dinners, but I don’t always have the time or patience to fill every single shell. This recipe gives you all those same creamy, cheesy flavors with a fraction of the work. Everything comes together in one skillet, and the burrata blended into the sauce makes it unbelievably creamy.

Enjoying The Leftovers

This is one of those pasta dishes that’s just as good the next day. The shells soak up even more of the creamy sauce overnight, making leftovers perfect for lunch or an easy dinner. Pair it with garlic bread and a simple salad for another meal that barely feels like leftovers.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Top with fresh basil, parmesan, and an extra piece of burrata before serving to bring everything back to life.

A pan of pasta shell noodles with burrata cheese & ground beef in a tomato base with fresh chopped basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top.
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Creamy Burrata Unstuffed Shells

Creamy tomato sauce blended with burrata, hearty ground beef, and protein-packed pasta shells come together in this Creamy Burrata Unstuffed Shells recipe for an easy comfort food dinner. It's everything you love about classic stuffed shells in a simple one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding the whole family.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
US M
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz pasta shells
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1, 25 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce
  • 1, 4 oz ball of burrata
Toppings
  • 1, 4 oz ball of burrata
  • Sprinkle of parmesan
  • Sprinkle of red pepper flakes
  • Freshly chopped basil
US – M

Instructions

  • Preheat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and garlic and saute for a few minutes until fragrant.
  • Next, add the ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked.
  • Add the jar of pasta sauce and 1 4oz ball of burrata to a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth.
  • Add the sauce to the pan and mix well. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes while you make the pasta.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, add it to the meat sauce and mix until well incorporated.
  • Top with more burrata, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, freshly cut basil, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment

saute pan
cutting board
measuring cups

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 3g