Beef Stuffed Paccheri

I first encountered this beautiful dish during a cooking workshop in Naples, where the chef demonstrated how to properly stuff the large paccheri tubes without breaking them. I was immediately captivated by the simplicity of the ingredients and how they transformed into something so impressive. This isn't your typical pasta dish – the oversized tubes create perfect individual portions that hold the seasoned beef mixture wonderfully. When I make it at home, I love watching the sauce bubble around the pasta and the cheese melt into a golden crust on top. There's something deeply satisfying about slicing into a perfectly cooked tube and seeing the savory filling inside. It's one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a moment as they take their first bite.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. There's something magical about the way the large paccheri tubes cradle the beef filling – each piece becomes a perfect, self-contained bite of flavor. The contrast between the tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese sauce creates a symphony of textures that makes every forkful exciting. It's also incredibly versatile; I can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking, making it perfect for entertaining. What really makes my heart sing about this dish is how it brings people together – it's impossible not to gather around the table and share stories over something this delicious. Even kitchen novices can achieve impressive results, which makes it all the more satisfying to prepare and share. Every time I make it, I'm reminded of how food can be both nourishing and an expression of love.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Paccheri pasta: Large tube-shaped pasta that holds the filling perfectly
• Ground beef: Provides the rich, savory base for the filling
• Mozzarella & parmesan: Creates a creamy, melty topping with perfect golden crust
• Tomato sauce & paste: Adds depth and richness to both the filling and sauce
• Fresh herbs: Brightens the dish and adds color contrast
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness
• Beef broth: Creates a silky sauce that keeps the pasta moist during baking

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the pasta

Cook the paccheri in well-salted water until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. They should be firm enough to hold their shape when filled. Rinse quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

Create the filling

Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fragrant and cooked through. The meat should be broken down into small pieces that will easily fill the pasta tubes. Season with herbs and spices to develop deep flavor - don't be shy with the seasonings here!

Stuff with care

Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, use a small spoon to carefully fill each pasta tube. Work gently to avoid tearing the pasta. Stand the filled tubes upright in your sauce-lined baking dish, creating a beautiful presentation.

Layer the flavors

Pour your remaining sauce over and around the filled pasta, then top generously with both cheeses. This creates the perfect environment for the pasta to finish cooking while developing those irresistible crispy cheese edges.

Bake to perfection

Start covered to allow everything to heat through without burning, then uncover for the final minutes to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese top that makes this dish so impressive when served.

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Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made this beef stuffed paccheri, I was nervous about getting the pasta tubes to hold their shape during cooking. I've since learned a little trick – I cook the paccheri for just 2 minutes less than the package instructions, then quickly rinse them in cold water. This makes them much easier to fill without tearing. Last Christmas, I switched up the recipe by adding a few tablespoons of mascarpone to the sauce, which made it even more velvety and rich. I've also tried using a combination of beef and pork for the filling, which adds a lovely depth of flavor if you're looking to experiment.

Perfect Pairings

This Beef Stuffed Paccheri pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, allowing the richness of the pasta to be balanced by the peppery, fresh greens. A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano complements the savory beef filling perfectly. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and finish with a light dessert such as panna cotta topped with fresh berries to cleanse the palate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components up to a day ahead. Cook and fill the pasta, then refrigerate. Prepare the sauce separately and refrigerate as well. When ready to serve, assemble in the baking dish and add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

→ What can I use instead of paccheri pasta?

If you can't find paccheri, you can substitute with cannelloni tubes, large rigatoni, or even jumbo shells (conchiglioni). The cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce. The cooking method remains the same.

→ How do I know when the pasta is properly cooked?

The pasta should be cooked until it's still quite firm (very al dente) before filling, as it will continue to cook during baking. After baking, the pasta should be tender but still hold its shape without falling apart.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, do not add the cheese topping until you're ready to bake. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly to balance the richness of this dish. Garlic bread is also a classic accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

This Beef Stuffed Paccheri is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. The large pasta tubes create the ideal vessel for the savory beef filling, while the creamy cheese sauce brings everything together beautifully. It's a dish that satisfies deeply and impresses easily, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. The contrast between the al dente pasta and tender filling creates a textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.