This isn’t your average stuffed shells recipe. These Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak & Bacon Stuffed Shells are loaded with rich, savory flavor from seared steak, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and garlic butter. It’s like your favorite steakhouse dinner collided with creamy, baked pasta—and the result is pure magic. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party, a date night, or just craving a comfort food masterpiece, this is the dish to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love a good stuffed shell recipe, but this one is next level. Instead of the usual ricotta, these are stuffed with tender steak and bacon, drenched in garlic butter, and smothered in a molten blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. It’s meaty, cheesy, garlicky, and 100% satisfying. It also makes amazing leftovers—if there are any left.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 1 lb steak, thinly sliced (sirloin or flank works well)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Steak: Leftover grilled steak works great here. Or use shaved beef for quicker prep.
- Cheese: Mix in provolone or gouda for an extra melty twist.
- Add a sauce: Want a saucier bake? Layer marinara or Alfredo in the bottom of the dish before adding shells.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes adds a nice boost.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook steak slices until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).
- Stir in crumbled bacon and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked steak, bacon garlic butter, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Mix until well blended.
- Stuff each shell with the steak and bacon cheese mixture and place in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle any remaining cheese mixture over the top of the shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to brown the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use a sharp knife to slice steak thinly for even cooking and easier stuffing.
- Undercook the shells slightly so they hold their shape when baked.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter step—it ties all the savory elements together.
- Want a browned cheesy topping? Broil the last 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve these indulgent shells with:
- A side salad or garlicky green beans for contrast
- A slice of crusty bread to soak up any cheesy goodness
- A fun party spread that includes Beer Cheese Dip
- Or keep the comfort food going with Instant Pot Lasagna
For a cozy Mexican-inspired vibe, pair it with:
And for dessert? You can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter Brownies to finish strong.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 10–15 minutes.
- Freeze before baking: Stuff shells and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen (add 10–15 minutes to bake time).
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made—And I’ve Made A Lot
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak & Bacon Stuffed Shells are the definition of indulgent comfort food. With juicy steak, smoky bacon, rich garlic butter, and layers of melty cheese, every bite is pure satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is secretly super easy—and guaranteed to make any night feel special.
Make it? Love it?
Tag @chefmaniac and share your cheesy creation. For more crave-worthy comfort food, make sure you’re following along!
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