The Best Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe Ever Made

Creamy, delectable stuffed shells with meat and cheese capture the heart of comfort cooking like nothing else.

Pasta shells become delightful vessels for rich, savory fillings that dance across your palate.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with smooth ricotta and melted mozzarella, creating a harmony of textures.

Fresh herbs and robust seasonings add depth to every remarkable bite.

Hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, this classic Italian-inspired dish will have you craving seconds.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this irresistible recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Overview

• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Packed with protein-rich ground beef and creamy cheeses, this dish delivers a hearty meal that fills everyone up and leaves them feeling totally satisfied.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra vegetables to make the recipe your own, giving you flexibility to match family preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect Weeknight Comfort: Simple steps and minimal prep make this recipe a go-to solution for busy families wanting a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Stuffed shells look impressive on the dinner table, making them great for family gatherings or casual dinner parties where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.

Stuffed Shells Ingredients

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the rich meat and cheese filling.
• Ground Beef: Protein-packed meat that adds hearty flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide additional richness and depth of flavor.
• Egg: Binding ingredient that helps hold the cheese mixture together.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste of the meat and filling.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that adds a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep Pasta

Get your oven warming to 375°F.

Boil the jumbo pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain and let them chill while you prep the filling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef to Perfection

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbly.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drain any extra fat for a leaner dish.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Fold in the seasoned beef for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 4: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the meaty cheese mixture.

Nestle them snugly in a baking dish.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Generously pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Cover the dish with foil to lock in all those amazing flavors.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes.

The cheese should be melted and bubbling.

For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the top get a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Stuffed Shells

• Cook pasta shells just until tender to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring perfect texture.
• Let shells cool slightly before stuffing to make handling easier and prevent burning your fingers.
• Blend ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan completely to create a smooth, consistent filling that distributes flavor evenly.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent soggy shells and maintain a rich, concentrated meat taste.
• Spread marinara evenly over shells to ensure each bite has balanced sauce coverage and prevents dry edges.

Stuffed Shells Variations

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells with blanched zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious filling.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, chopped kalamata olives, and swap some Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving Ideas for Stuffed Shells

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy shells.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
• Simple Side Harmony: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to balance the meal and introduce more nutrients to the plate.

Storage Advice for Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, mushrooms, or additional vegetables like spinach and zucchini.

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

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Use a spoon to carefully fill each shell to avoid ripping.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-style Stuffed Shells deliver a comforting blend of ground beef, ricotta, and melted cheese in perfectly seasoned pasta pockets. Warm, rich flavors promise a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare large pasta shells in boiling water until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and set shells aside to cool slightly.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Eliminate excess grease and season thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Create a rich filling by mixing ricotta cheese, beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl. Fold cooked beef into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Gently fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese blend, arranging them snugly in a greased baking dish.
5. Generously ladle marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive moisture loss.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and filling becomes hot. Uncover during the final 10 minutes to allow a golden-brown surface to develop.
7. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, maintaining a perfect texture.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy dish, keeping the filling rich and hearty.
• Mix cheeses well to create a creamy, uniform filling that binds the meat and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.
• For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce calories and accommodate different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg