Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

Your Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Stuffed Shells at Home

Stuffed shells are a comfort food classic, combining rich flavors, gooey cheese, and savory meat into one delicious dish. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself to an indulgent meal, this stuffed shells with meat and cheese recipe is sure to impress. Follow along to discover everything you need to know about making this Italian favorite, including tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid. Keep reading for all the details you’ll need to make these mouthwatering stuffed shells!

What are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells that are cooked until just tender, then filled with a mixture of ingredients like cheese, meat, and herbs. Once filled, they are baked in a savory sauce—usually marinara or alfredo—until hot and bubbly. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with Italian flavors, making it a favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

To make these flavorful stuffed shells, you'll need the following ingredients. You can also tweak the recipe according to your preferences, but here's the basic list to get started:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 20-25 jumbo pasta shells (shell pasta, also called conchiglioni)

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily substitute ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese Options: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter filling. You can also add or substitute with different cheeses like provolone or Asiago for extra flavor.
• Sauce Variations: While marinara is the most popular sauce choice, you can switch things up with Alfredo sauce, vodka sauce, or a creamy béchamel sauce for a different taste experience.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure the sauces and fillings are gluten-free as well.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. Cooking stuffed shells with meat and cheese is easier than it looks, especially if you follow this step-by-step guide.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook the shells; they should be al dente (firm to the bite) as they will cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside the cooked shells to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. If you’re using Italian sausage, remove the casings before cooking. Set the cooked meat aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and basil. Mix everything until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat has cooled, mix it into the cheese filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Once the pasta shells have cooled enough to handle, gently stuff each shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Be generous, but don't overfill them as they need to close slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle the extra mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the Shells
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. Once the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is relatively simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta Shells: If the shells are too soft after boiling, they’ll tear apart when you try to stuff them. Cook them al dente for best results.
• Not Draining the Meat Properly: Failing to drain the fat from the meat can result in a greasy filling. Drain the excess fat to keep the dish light and balanced.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure the filling and sauce are at room temperature or slightly warm before assembling the dish. This ensures the shells bake evenly and don't dry out.
• Skipping Seasoning: Properly seasoning each component—meat, cheese, and sauce—is key to achieving the best flavor. Don’t forget the salt and pepper!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving stuffed shells is almost as important as cooking them. With the right presentation, this dish can look as beautiful as it tastes.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

Once your stuffed shells are baked to perfection, serve them warm with a fresh green salad and garlic bread on the side. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and extra flavor. These shells pair wonderfully with a glass of red wine or a refreshing sparkling water.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

• Individual Servings: Serve each guest 3-4 shells in a shallow bowl or on a plate with extra sauce spooned on top.
• Family Style: Arrange the stuffed shells in a large serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs, and place the dish in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.
• Garnish with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even oregano can elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of color.
• Parmesan Dusting: For an added touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the shells before serving.

Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble the stuffed shells, but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen—just add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers, feel free to double the ingredients. Stuffed shells reheat well and make for excellent next-day meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have jumbo shells?
A: If jumbo shells aren’t available, you can use manicotti or cannelloni tubes. The stuffing process is similar, but the baking time might vary slightly.

Q: How do I prevent the shells from sticking together when boiling?
A: To prevent sticking, stir the shells occasionally while they’re boiling, and add a teaspoon of olive oil to the water.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the stuffing mixture?
A: Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions that can add extra flavor and nutrition to the filling.

Q: Is it okay to use store-bought sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly well for this recipe. If you have the time, making homemade sauce can add a richer, fresher flavor, but store-bought is a convenient and tasty option.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of stuffed shells with meat and cheese—a perfect combination of cheesy goodness, hearty meat, and flavorful sauce all in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or an impressive party dish, stuffed shells are always a crowd-pleaser. By following this recipe, you’ll master the art of making this classic Italian dish in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and start cooking!

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