Easy Homemade Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

Creamy ricotta and savory ground beef create a mouthwatering stuffed shells experience that brings comfort to your dinner table.

These delectable pasta pockets burst with rich, hearty flavors that satisfy every craving.

Italian-inspired cuisine meets home-cooked goodness in this classic dish.

Each shell overflows with a perfect blend of seasoned meat and melted cheese.

The recipe promises a delightful meal that combines simple ingredients with incredible taste.

Layers of texture and warmth make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese: Standouts

• Satisfy Comfort Cravings: Indulge in a hearty dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with its rich, cheesy goodness and savory meat filling.
• Create Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this recipe brings everyone together with its crowd-pleasing combination of pasta, meat, and melted cheese.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this stuffed shells recipe a go-to meal for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple variations like swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra herbs, or incorporating different cheese blends to suit personal tastes.

Stuffed Shells Ingredient Guide

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with a delicious meat and cheese mixture.
• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful protein base for the stuffing.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and rich texture for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a classic melty and stretchy cheese element to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Delivers a classic Italian tomato sauce that complements the stuffed shells.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential flavors and seasoning to the ground beef and overall dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh garnish and bright color to the finished recipe.

Shells Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until they reach al dente texture.

Carefully drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook ground beef until it turns golden brown and develops a rich color.

Drain any excess fat from the meat.

Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Let the seasoned meat cool down.

Step 3: Create Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Cooled ground beef

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Set Up Baking Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

This creates a flavorful base for the shells.

Step 5: Stuff and Arrange Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese and meat mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and place in a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese becomes melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve the stuffed shells hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Tips For Cheesy Stuffed Shells

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Thoroughly drain ground beef to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy dish, keeping the shells crisp and appetizing.
• Combine cheeses and ground beef evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite, distributing ingredients thoroughly.
• Cover with foil initially to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover to achieve a golden, bubbly topping that looks irresistible.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color contrast.

Stuffed Shells: Change It Up

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, using spinach and ricotta for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves, keeping the rich cheese and meat filling intact.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or replace shells with large roasted eggplant slices, maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flair.

Ways To Serve Stuffed Shells

• Pasta Plate Paradise: Serve these stuffed shells on a large white platter for a restaurant-style presentation that looks impressive.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Add garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up extra marinara sauce and complete the meal.
• Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty meat and cheese flavors.

Shells Storage Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Place cooled stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover shells with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well to maintain flavor.

• How do I prevent the shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook the shells until they are just al dente and handle them gently. Use a small spoon to carefully fill each shell without stretching or ripping them.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

No problem. You can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture in the filling.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-style Stuffed Shells elevate comfort dining with rich ground beef and melted cheese nestled in tender pasta pockets. Sumptuous layers of flavor promise a satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean warmth right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage

Dairy and Cheese:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Sauce and Pasta:

• 1 box (12 ounces / 340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare jumbo pasta shells by cooking them until tender, then drain and let cool on a flat surface.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess fat. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then allow to cool completely.
3. Create a rich filling by blending ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and cooled seasoned beef in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
4. Create a sauce base by spreading marinara across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
5. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, placing them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Generously coat the stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
8. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Let ground beef cool completely before mixing with cheese to maintain mixture’s consistency and prevent cheese from melting prematurely.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles to reduce fat content.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for an extra aromatic twist.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg