The Best Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Ever Made

Creamy and hearty stuffed shells capture the essence of comfort food that makes dinner feel like a warm embrace.

Pasta shells become delightful vessels for a rich mixture of seasoned ground beef and melted cheeses.

Italian culinary traditions inspire this classic dish that brings people together around the table.

Generous portions of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan create a luxurious filling that promises pure satisfaction.

Marinara sauce adds a vibrant layer of flavor that complements the meaty, cheesy interior.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal kitchen effort.

You won’t believe how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Variation Suggestions For Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Vegetarian Shell Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms for a meat-free version. Mix vegetable-based proteins with cheese filling for similar texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Shell Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or replace shells with zucchini boats. Ensure all ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with roasted bell pepper halves or large portobello mushroom caps. Fill with meat and cheese mixture for a lower-carbohydrate protein-packed dish.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Shells: Swap Italian seasoning with oregano, add spinach to cheese mixture, and incorporate feta cheese. Top with kalamata olives and fresh herbs for Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Ideas For Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Weekend Italian Feast: Create a rustic dinner spread by pairing the shells with roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, adding colorful and nutritious sides.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and transport them to gatherings, ensuring they'll be the star dish that everyone raves about and requests the recipe.
• Game Day Comfort Food: Cut the shells into smaller portions as an appetizer for sports watching parties, letting guests enjoy bite-sized cheesy meaty goodness while cheering on their favorite team.

Storage Advice For Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the shells flat in the container to maintain their shape and prevent tearing.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum for optimal taste and food safety.
• Label the container with the date of storage to track freshness.

FAQs

• How do I prevent shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook shells until just al dente and let them cool slightly before handling. Use a small spoon and gently fill each shell, being careful not to overstuff.

• 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 when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or Italian sausage are excellent alternatives. Choose meat with some fat content for better flavor and moisture.

The Appeal Of Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients to suit personal tastes or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, hearty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this dish brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Create a complete meal in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and simplifying the cooking process for busy home cooks.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator, allowing for convenient reheating when hunger strikes or unexpected guests arrive.

Ingredients For Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

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

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds hearty flavor to the stuffed shells.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic taste to the ground beef.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth texture for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a classic melty and stretchy cheese experience.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop the jumbo pasta shells into the bubbling water and cook until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the shells in a colander and let them cool down on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook the mixture until the meat turns a rich brown color and the onions become translucent.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg
• Salt and pepper

Fold in the cooked beef mixture until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a vibrant red base.

Step 5: Fill Pasta Shells

Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish, positioning them with the open side facing upward.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle an extra layer of mozzarella cheese on top, creating a tempting cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Tips For Best Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese

• Drain pasta shells completely to prevent watery filling and ensure shells hold their shape perfectly.
• Mix ricotta with other cheeses thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent texture throughout the stuffing.
• Brown ground beef until deep golden color for maximum flavor development and better meat texture.
• Cool shells slightly before stuffing to prevent burning hands and help maintain shell structure during filling process.
• Optional low-carb variation: Replace pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves for healthier alternative.

Quick and Cheesy Stuffed Shells Meat Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-style stuffed shells with meat and cheese showcase robust flavors from classic Italian ingredients. Perfectly balanced shells deliver rich comfort with hearty meat and creamy cheese that invite eager diners to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Pasta and Cheese:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1 jar (24 fluid ounces) marinara sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and allow shells to cool slightly on a clean kitchen towel.
2. Brown ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for additional 2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Create creamy filling by blending ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold in the prepared beef mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Prepare baking dish by spreading one cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
5. Gently fill each cooled pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, positioning them open-side up in the prepared baking dish.
6. Generously drizzle remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
8. Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Prevent shell breakage by cooking pasta just until al dente and handling gently during stuffing.
• For leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine to the beef while cooking or mixing fresh herbs into cheese filling.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked shells for convenient meal prep, storing in airtight container up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg