Name: Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 pasta tubes or cannelloni shells; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes are one of my favorite comfort meals because they combine tender pasta, rich beef filling, creamy cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce all in one dish. I love making this recipe for family dinners because it feels hearty, cozy, and satisfying without being difficult to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together simple ingredients that create a rich and comforting meal. The stuffed pasta tubes hold the savory beef and creamy cheese perfectly, while the baked tomato sauce keeps everything juicy and flavorful. I also like how easy it is to prepare ahead of time for busy evenings. The cheesy top layer turns golden and bubbly in the oven, making every bite extra delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 pasta tubes or cannelloni shells
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta tubes until they are slightly firm since they continue cooking in the oven. After draining them, I let them cool while preparing the filling.

In a skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the chopped onion until soft. I add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until the meat is browned completely. I season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before removing it from the heat.

In a bowl, I combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked beef mixture. I mix everything together until well combined.

Next, I spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. I carefully stuff each pasta tube with the beef and cheese filling and place them side by side in the dish.

I pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed pasta and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

I bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Before serving, I like adding a little fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for Italian sausage when I want a stronger flavor. For a lighter version, I use ground turkey instead of beef.

I also like adding spinach to the cheese mixture for extra texture and freshness. Occasionally, I use a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish a little heat.

For extra cheesiness, I mix provolone or fontina cheese into the filling.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I want to keep it longer, I freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

For reheating, I place the pasta in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. I sometimes add a spoonful of extra sauce before reheating to keep the pasta moist. The microwave also works well for quick portions.

FAQs

Can I make Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the dish several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until I am ready to bake it.

Can I freeze stuffed pasta tubes before baking?

Yes, I freeze the assembled dish before baking for an easy future meal. I just thaw it overnight before baking.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I usually use cannelloni tubes or manicotti shells because they are easy to stuff and hold the filling nicely.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, I sometimes replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a slightly lighter texture and flavor.

How do I keep the pasta from tearing?

I avoid overcooking the pasta before stuffing it. Slightly firm pasta tubes are much easier to handle.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Stuffed Pasta Tubes are the kind of comforting baked pasta dish I always enjoy serving for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, tender pasta, and rich sauce creates a satisfying meal that feels homemade and comforting every time. I love how versatile and make-ahead friendly this recipe can be, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.