Picture this: tender pasta shells brimming with a rich, meaty filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. This stuffed shells recipe with meat is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re planning a family feast or simply craving something indulgent, this dish is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Medium6
servings20
minutes45
minutes450
kcalThese stuffed shells with meat are rich, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering that everyone will love.
Ingredients
20 large pasta shells (jumbo size)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the egg. Stir in the cooled beef mixture.
- Stuff the Shells: Spoon the meat and cheese mixture into the cooked pasta shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Add the Sauce and Bake: Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist in flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the cheese filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prevent Shells from Sticking: After cooking, drizzle the shells with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare and stuff the shells in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake them the next day for a quick dinner.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Recipe Variant
Stuffed Shells with Spinach & Ricotta: For a lighter, vegetarian option, swap out the ground meat for sautéed spinach, and mix it with the ricotta filling.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the dish, refrigerate, and bake it when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
A simple Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great sides.
Yes, a good-quality store-bought marinara works perfectly, but homemade sauce elevates the flavors even more.
If you love hearty Italian-inspired dishes, try our Creamy Walnut Pesto Pasta Recipe for another rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
This stuffed shells recipe with meat is a cozy, hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or when you need a comforting meal. With its rich filling and bubbling, cheesy top, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve it with a simple side salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete feast!
Leave a Reply