Zesty Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting delectable stuffed shells with meat and cheese brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Pasta lovers unite around this classic Italian-inspired dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Creamy ricotta blends perfectly with seasoned ground beef, creating a mouthwatering filling.

Melted mozzarella adds a golden, irresistible layer of deliciousness to each shell.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to transform simple components into something extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible comfort food masterpiece.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent shells from tearing when stuffing?

Cook pasta shells al dente and handle gently with a spoon or tongs. Slightly cooled shells are easier to fill without breaking.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian meat substitutes. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

• Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Are Great

• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Pack this recipe with hearty ground beef and two types of cheese that make everyone at the table cheer with excitement.
• Master a Simple Cooking Technique: Learn to stuff shells easily with a delicious meat and cheese mixture that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners: Prepare a complete meal in just a few steps, combining protein, pasta, and vegetables in one delightful dish that satisfies hungry families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with a delicious meat and cheese mixture.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich, savory protein for the filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich texture in the stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a classic stretchy cheese topping.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic base to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhance the overall taste of the dish with classic seasonings.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and meat filling together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and classic Italian-style sauce for the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish to finish the recipe.

How to Cook Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some serious culinary magic.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells following the package instructions.

Once done, drain them and set aside, ready for their cheesy destiny.

Step 3: Sizzle The Meat Base

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook until the beef is perfectly browned.

Step 4: Mix The Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Half of the shredded mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Cooked beef mixture

Stir everything until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Dish

Spread a generous cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 6: Stuff The Shells

Take each cooked pasta shell and lovingly fill it with the meat and cheese mixture. Nestle these stuffed shells into the saucy baking dish.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Tips for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Rinse cooked shells under cold water to prevent sticking and make them easier to handle when stuffing.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a cleaner and more appetizing texture.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother mixing and better incorporation with other ingredients.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to reduce calories and fat content.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle kick of heat that enhances the overall flavor profile of the stuffed shells.

Flavor Variations for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Vegetarian Shell Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative, using same seasoning for rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Shell Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Shell Transformation: Substitute pasta shells with blanched zucchini boats, maintaining cheese and meat filling for reduced carbohydrate version.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Shells: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and swap Italian seasoning with oregano and thyme for Mediterranean culinary experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner that elevates the entire meal.
• Family-Style Presentation: Serve directly in the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own shells and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness right at the table.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Make extra shells and freeze individual portions for quick, delicious lunches or dinners during busy weekdays, saving time and satisfying hunger.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Cut shells into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer during sports events or gatherings, letting guests enjoy bite-sized versions of this hearty dish.

Proper Storage for Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing to preserve texture and prevent condensation inside the container.
• Seal the container tightly to keep out additional moisture and maintain the original flavors of the stuffed shells.

Hearty Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-American stuffed shells with meat and cheese combine ricotta, ground beef, and marinara in a comforting casserole. Home cooks can savor this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Cheese:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheeses:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a delectable Italian-inspired dish.
2. Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a flavor base by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in a skillet until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking thoroughly until rich brown. Season with a blend of salt, black pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ricotta, half the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a whisked egg, and the seasoned beef mixture until uniformly combined.
6. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
7. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the robust meat and cheese mixture, nestling them snugly in the sauced baking dish.
8. Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket.
10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve piping hot directly from the oven.

Notes

• Make shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring they maintain a perfect texture when stuffed.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the filling soggy and diluting the rich flavors.
• Use full-fat ricotta for creamier filling, but low-fat works as a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Customize the recipe by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences or lighter meal options.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg