stuffed shells with meat recipe

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The Best stuffed shells with meat recipe
Stuffed Shells with Meat
🥘Ingredients
👨‍🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Stuffed Shells with Meat Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Shells with Meat

The Best stuffed shells with meat recipe

I have been making stuffed shells for years and this version with meat is a family favorite. My kids ask for it at least once a month and it is one of those dinners that makes everyone happy. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef and covered in rich tomato sauce and melted cheese is just perfect. It is a great meal for busy weeknights because you can assemble it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you are ready. The protein from the meat and the calcium from the cheese make it a balanced dish that keeps you full and satisfied. I love that it feels like a special dinner but it is simple enough for any day of the week.

Stuffed Shells with Meat

4.6 from 1279 votes

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella, baked in a hearty tomato sauce. This dish is a comforting and filling meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time50 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Shells

12 oz jumbo pasta shells

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.

2Cook the jumbo shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

3While shells cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

6Spread 1 cup of the sauce evenly over the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.

7Fill each cooked shell with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat and cheese mixture and place them open side up in the baking dish.

8Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

9Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot

Colander

Large skillet

Mixing bowl

9×13 inch baking dish

Spoon for filling shells

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, then bake as directed.

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Shells with Meat Works

This stuffed shells with meat recipe is one of those dishes that always works for family dinners or when you have guests over. It is hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, and I love that I can make it ahead of time. Give it a try and I think your family will love it just as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Shells with Meat

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use manicotti or large tube pasta instead of jumbo shells. Just adjust cooking time and fill them using a piping bag or small spoon.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave.

4. Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled unbaked shells. Place the dish in the freezer until solid, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

5. What can I serve with stuffed shells?

These shells go well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. They are a complete meal on their own too.

stuffed shells with meat recipe

The Best stuffed shells with meat recipe

Stuffed Shells with Meat