Easy Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Creamy, hearty stuffed shells with meat and cheese bring pure comfort to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers adore this classic Italian-American dish that combines rich flavors and textures.

Jumbo shells cradle a delicious mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and melted mozzarella.

Experienced cooks and kitchen novices alike can master this crowd-pleasing recipe with ease.

Layers of savory meat intermingle with smooth, velvety cheese inside each perfectly cooked shell.

Weekend meals become extraordinary when you serve this satisfying and indulgent pasta creation.

Dive into a plate that promises warmth, flavor, and pure culinary joy.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese – Why It’s a Classic

• Unleash Hearty Comfort: This chili mac transforms classic comfort food into a one-pot wonder that hugs your taste buds with rich, satisfying flavors.
• Simplify Cooking Routine: Crockpot magic means minimal hands-on preparation, letting you walk away while dinner slowly develops deep, complex tastes.
• Family-Pleasing Fusion: Combines kid-friendly mac and cheese with robust chili, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both young and adult palates.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights, large gatherings, and make-ahead meal planning, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create perfect pockets for holding the meat and cheese filling.

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy texture and mild sweetness to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers stretchy, melty goodness and classic cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty tang to enhance the overall taste.

• Garlic, Onion: Create a flavorful base that adds depth to the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs that gives an authentic Italian taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Italian tomato flavor to the dish.

How to Make Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Boil The Jumbo Shells

Drop the jumbo pasta shells into boiling water and cook until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain and set them aside, ready for their cheesy filling.

Step 3: Sizzle The Aromatics

Grab a skillet and create a flavor base by softening garlic and onions until they’re fragrant and translucent.

Add ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Blend The Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s well incorporated and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Stuff The Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, nestling them snugly in a baking dish.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re well-covered.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams “eat me!”

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes to set. This helps the filling stabilize and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Choose jumbo shells that are intact to prevent tearing while stuffing, ensuring a perfect presentation.
• Drain pasta shells thoroughly and let them cool slightly before filling to avoid burning your hands during preparation.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent texture throughout the stuffed shells.
• Add extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor and vibrant color on top of the finished dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce calories and fat content.

Flavor Ideas for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and lentils for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Shells: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap marinara for salsa, topping with pepper jack cheese.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate ground lamb, feta cheese, oregano, and swap marinara for tomato-olive sauce.
• Seafood Edition: Use crab or shrimp instead of beef, mix with cream cheese, and add fresh dill on top.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Family Dinner Delight: Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra shells and freeze individually for quick weeknight dinners. Reheat directly from frozen for a stress-free meal solution.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread by cutting shells into smaller portions and serving on a large wooden board with fresh basil garnish and extra marinara for dipping.
• Leftover Transformation: Chop remaining stuffed shells and mix into a frittata the next morning, adding extra cheese and fresh herbs for a delicious breakfast remix.

How to Store Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual or entire portions of stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed stuffed shells in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep the shells moist.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best for this recipe?

Ground beef is traditional, but you can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. The key is to choose a meat with good fat content for moisture and taste.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the baking dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, use lean ground meat, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the filling to reduce overall calories and increase nutrition.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic stuffed shells with meat and cheese combine hearty Italian-American flavors in a comforting casserole. Pasta shells packed with seasoned ground beef and rich cheeses offer a satisfying meal that welcomes you to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until tender yet firm, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Sauté minced garlic and diced onions in a skillet until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
5. Combine the cooked beef with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a rich and flavorful filling.
6. Gently fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously packed but not overstuffed.
7. Arrange the filled shells in a prepared baking dish, creating a single layer.
8. Generously pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
9. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melted finish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
11. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help set the filling.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat shells to boost fiber and nutrition, creating a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Consider preparing extra filling and freezing for quick future meals, saving time and ensuring a delicious backup dinner option.
• Add finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the meat mixture for an extra veggie boost and enhanced nutritional profile without compromising taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg