Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week? Look no further than Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese! This classic Italian-American dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory blend of seasoned ground meat and creamy ricotta, then smothered in marinara sauce and baked with melted mozzarella. It’s comforting, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn how to make this delicious recipe at home and impress your family and friends with a warm, cheesy meal!

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What Are Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese?

Stuffed shells are jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, and seasonings, then baked in marinara sauce. The filling typically includes ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, making it a rich and flavorful dish. After being stuffed, the shells are arranged in a baking dish, covered with sauce and more cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. Stuffed shells are similar to other Italian baked pasta dishes like lasagna or manicotti but have their own unique charm due to the shape of the pasta, which perfectly holds the filling.

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Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about stuffed shells is their versatility. You can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Ground Meat Options: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. For a lighter dish, use ground chicken or turkey.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and increase the cheese filling. You can also add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies to the ricotta mixture for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
• Cheese Choices: While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like fontina, asiago, or provolone for added flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a little heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make these delicious stuffed shells? Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof recipe:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Typically, this takes around 9-10 minutes. Drain the shells and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

1. Combine the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Add Egg and Herbs: Stir in the egg, fresh parsley (or basil), salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
3. Mix in the Meat: Once the ground beef mixture has cooled slightly, stir it into the cheese mixture until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a large baking dish (9x13-inch works well).
3. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or your hands, fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella (½ cup) on top.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove Foil and Bake Again: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Once the shells are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.

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How to Cook Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap, here’s how to perfectly cook and assemble stuffed shells with meat and cheese:

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells until just al dente, then rinse them to cool.
2. Make the Filling: Cook the ground meat and mix it with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings.
3. Stuff the Shells: Fill the shells with the meat and cheese mixture.
4. Assemble and Bake: Layer the shells in a baking dish with marinara sauce and bake until golden and bubbly.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta Shells: Be sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked shells can become too soft and difficult to handle.
2. Not Draining the Meat: If using ground beef or sausage with a higher fat content, make sure to drain any excess fat to avoid greasy stuffed shells.
3. Overfilling the Shells: While it’s tempting to stuff the shells to the brim, be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
4. Skipping the Covering Step: Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to prevent the shells from drying out and to help the cheese melt evenly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Stuffed shells are a complete meal on their own, but they can be served with a few simple sides to round out the dish. Here’s how to serve and present them:

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

• Serve the stuffed shells with garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic Italian meal.
• Pair with a Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
• Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for those who like their shells saucier.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

• Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color.
• Serve the stuffed shells in a rustic, oven-safe dish or skillet for a beautiful family-style presentation.
• Grate a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for a professional touch.

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Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
• Freezing: This recipe is freezer-friendly! Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, covered, for 50-60 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
• Leftovers: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make stuffed shells without ricotta?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even mascarpone for a creamier filling.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works great in this recipe, though you can also make your own homemade marinara if you prefer.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

After boiling the shells, rinse them with cool water and toss them lightly with olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the filling.

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Conclusion

Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese are a comforting, hearty dish that combines the best of Italian flavors—rich meat, creamy cheese, and savory marinara sauce. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredients, it’s a recipe that you’ll come back to again and again. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy this classic, crowd-pleasing favorite!

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