If you're craving a delicious, hearty meal that brings comfort food to the next level, look no further than stuffed shells with meat and cheese. This Italian-inspired dish is the perfect balance of savory ground meat, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection in a rich marinara sauce. Whether you're feeding a family or prepping for a weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make this mouthwatering dish, plus tips for serving and presentation!
What Are Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese?
Stuffed shells with meat and cheese are a classic Italian-American dish made with large pasta shells (known as conchiglioni) that are cooked and then stuffed with a flavorful filling of ground meat, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. These stuffed shells are typically baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with even more cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling. The combination of textures—tender pasta, hearty meat, creamy cheese, and rich sauce—makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Now let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil for sautéing
Ingredients List for Marinara Sauce (Optional, if making homemade)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about stuffed shells is how versatile they can be. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you don’t eat beef, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. You can also make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the meat for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a combination of other vegetables. For a lighter cheese option, try using part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella. You can also add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or marinara sauce. The variations are endless!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed shells will bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown top.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the meat cool slightly.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until well combined. Once the meat has cooled slightly, stir it into the cheese mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
- Stuff the Shells: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, using a spoon or your hands. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, arranging them snugly in a single layer.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the shells.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
How to Cook Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of making stuffed shells with meat and cheese is surprisingly straightforward. It all comes down to a few simple steps: cooking the pasta, preparing the filling, assembling the dish, and baking it. The key to success lies in taking your time with each step, especially when it comes to stuffing the shells. You don’t want to overstuff them, as this could cause them to break, but you also don’t want to underfill them, as that would result in less flavor in every bite. The goal is to strike the perfect balance between a generous, yet manageable amount of filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: It’s crucial to cook the pasta shells al dente, meaning they should still have a bit of firmness when you bite into them. Overcooked shells will become too soft and may fall apart when you try to stuff them.
- Not Draining the Meat Properly: If you don’t drain the excess fat from the meat after browning it, your filling could end up greasy, which will affect the texture of the finished dish.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the filling with enough salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Proper seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors of the meat and cheese.
- Using Too Little Sauce: Be generous with the marinara sauce. The sauce not only adds flavor but also helps keep the pasta shells moist as they bake.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Stuffed shells with meat and cheese are a comforting, family-style dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate the presentation. Here are a few tips to make your meal look as good as it tastes:
- Use a White Baking Dish: A white or neutral-colored baking dish allows the vibrant red sauce and golden-brown cheese to stand out visually.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add flavor but also give the dish a beautiful finishing touch. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving can also add a touch of elegance.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the stuffed shells. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs beautifully.
How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
Stuffed shells are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few side dishes. A simple Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can balance out the richness of the dish. For an extra-special touch, serve with a bottle of your favorite Italian wine.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
For a more elegant presentation, consider serving individual portions of stuffed shells in small gratin dishes or ramekins. This gives each guest their own perfectly baked serving, complete with bubbling cheese and a generous topping of marinara sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving to add a touch of sophistication.
Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for Later: Stuffed shells freeze beautifully. After assembling the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality mozzarella. The better the cheese, the better the final dish will taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- How long do leftovers last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? While jumbo shells are traditional, you can also use manicotti or cannelloni tubes as a substitute.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells with meat and cheese are a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful meat and cheese filling, a rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese on top, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with plenty of options for substitutions and make-ahead tips, it’s a versatile recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a homemade Italian-inspired feast!
PrintStuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe
This stuffed shells with meat and cheese recipe is a hearty Italian classic made with jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for dinner, it's a family-friendly meal that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, it's a delicious way to satisfy cravings for Italian cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and cooked beef.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange stuffed shells on top, and cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
- Substitute ground beef with sausage or a vegetarian option if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shells
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Leave a Reply