Stuffed shells with meat recipes

Last updated on December 19th, 2024 at 02:11 pm

The Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells:
   • Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water. Cook them until they are just under al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • In a large skillet, sauté 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage (cooked with onions and garlic if using sausage) until browned and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 3 cups of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, and 2 cups of fresh spinach (optional). Season with dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
4. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
   • Carefully spoon the cheese and meat mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells into a 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them snugly.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce:
   • Pour 6 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.
6. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

Stuffed shells with meat are the perfect main dish for any dinner. Pair them with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Here are some great side dish options:

• Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens offers a light, crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffed shells.
• Garlic Bread: This classic side complements the dish perfectly, adding a crunchy texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add a nutritious and flavorful touch.
• Sautéed Greens: Kale or spinach cooked with garlic enhances the meal with extra nutrients.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the stuffed shells.

For those who can’t pass up an amazing read

As the cool autumn breeze whispers outside, nothing is as comforting as the smell of freshly baked stuffed shells. These Italian-inspired, cheesy pasta pockets are a family favorite. They’re perfect whether you’re in the mood for classic beef and ricotta or something new like taco-inspired or chicken Alfredo stuffed shells.

Key Takeaways

• Explore a variety of stuffed shells recipes, including ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta, and spinach fillings.
• Learn how to make jumbo shells (also known as conchiglioni) that are perfectly cooked and easy to stuff.
• Discover tips for assembling the dish, making it ahead, and freezing for future meals.
• Find delicious serving suggestions and variations to cater to dietary preferences.
• Enjoy the comforting, family-friendly appeal of this Italian classic.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Why Stuffed Shells are a Family Favorite

Stuffed pasta shells are the ultimate comfort food. They are loved by families all over America. The mix of tender pasta, creamy filling, and rich tomato sauce is unbeatable.

Italian stuffed shells are a hit because they’re easy to make ahead. You can freeze them for quick meals on busy nights. Kids love the fun pasta and gooey cheese.

These shells are also great for feeding a crowd. They’re perfect for big gatherings, like holidays or family events. This makes them a top choice for many occasions.

Looking for a comforting meal or a dish to impress guests? Stuffed pasta shells are the perfect pick. Their delicious taste and flexibility make them a favorite among families.

“Stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food. They’re hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a family-favorite dish.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect stuffed shells with meat, you need a few key ingredients. Start with jumbo pasta shells as the base. Then, mix ground Italian sausage (or beef), ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the filling. Add eggs to bind it all together and frozen spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Season the filling with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For the sauce, use homemade marinara or your favorite jarred sauce. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty stuffed shells dish.

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Marinara sauce

With these ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious stuffed shells dish. This will definitely be a hit with your family.

Cooking the Perfect Pasta Shells

Getting the pasta shells right is key to a great stuffed shells dish. Use jumbo pasta shells, also called conchiglioni, for the best results. Cook them until they’re almost al dente, about 2-3 minutes less than the package says. This keeps them firm enough to hold the filling when baked.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shells

Here are some easy tips for cooking perfect pasta shells:

• Use a large pot and plenty of salted water to boil the shells.
• Bring the water to a full boil before adding the shells.
• Drain the shells well after cooking to remove any excess moisture.

By following these tips, you’ll get stuffed shells that keep their shape. They’ll be just right, not too soft or too hard. This is important for holding the filling well during baking.

Remember, you’ll only use 3/4 of the cooked shells. This is because some might break. With a bit of care, you can get perfectly cooked shells for your stuffed shells dish.

Stuffed Shells with Meat

Stuffed shells are a comfort food loved by many. They become even more satisfying when filled with a meaty mix. This mix can be ground beef or Italian sausage. It’s mixed with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, spinach, garlic, and Italian seasonings.

This creates a flavorful filling for the jumbo pasta shells. To make the dish, the shells are placed in a baking dish. They’re covered in marinara sauce and more cheese. This turns simple pasta shells into a cozy, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio)
• 12-ounce package of jumbo pasta shells
• 6 cups of marinara sauce
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of dried basil
• 1 tablespoon of dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Stuffed Shells with Italian Sausage

For a tasty twist, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Remove the casings and cook the sausage with onions and garlic. Then, follow the rest of the recipe. If you skip the sausage, add a teaspoon of fennel seed to the filling for flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity
Jumbo Pasta Shells	12-ounce package
Marinara Sauce	6 cups
Ricotta Cheese	1 cup
Mozzarella Cheese	3 cups, shredded
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup, grated
Egg	1
Garlic	2 cloves, minced
Basil	1 tablespoon, dried
Parsley	1 tablespoon, dried
Oregano	1/2 teaspoon, dried
Nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon, ground
Salt and Pepper	To taste

Whether you pick ground beef or Italian sausage, you’ll get a cheesy stuffed shells dish loved by all. It’s sure to become a household favorite.

Assembling the Dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing stuffed shells with meat is both simple and delicious. Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells until they’re nearly done. While the shells cook, sauté ground beef or Italian sausage with onions and garlic.

Next, mix in creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, an egg, spinach, and seasonings with the meat. This makes the filling tasty.

After the shells are done, fill each one with the meat mixture. Put the shells in a baking dish. Top the shells with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are slightly undercooked, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté 1 1/2 pounds of 85% lean ground beef or Italian sausage with 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 8 ounces of diced mozzarella, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 4 beaten eggs, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
4. Gently fill each pasta shell with the meat mixture, then place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Pour 24 ounces of marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, then sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and a handful of grated Parmesan over the sauce.
6. Bake the assembled dish in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

This how to assemble stuffed shells guide makes a delicious stuffed shells with meat dish. It’s perfect for family and friends. Enjoy the step-by-step stuffed shells recipe with every bite!

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

This delectable stuffed shells recipe is not just tasty. It’s also super versatile. You can prepare the dish ahead of time and freeze it for future use. This makes stuffed shells an excellent option for an easy, no-fuss meal.

To make it ahead, just put the stuffed shells together but don’t bake them yet. Wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a little extra time since the dish is cold.

For longer-term storage, freeze the stuffed shells in a baking pan. Cover them with plastic wrap and foil. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To bake, remove the plastic, keep the foil on, and bake from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes.

This freezer-friendly and make-ahead feature is ideal for hectic days. It’s a quick and easy easy meal prep option. With a bit of preparation, you can have a tasty stuffed shells meal ready quickly.

“Stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, and being able to make them ahead of time or freeze them for later makes them even more convenient. It’s a real time-saver for busy families.”

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shells are a hearty and satisfying main dish. They pair well with simple, complementary side dishes. Whether you’re looking for what to serve with stuffed shells or easy side dishes, there are plenty of delicious options.

Sides to Complement the Dish

A fresh green salad is a classic choice. It offers a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells. Garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser that complements the flavors of the pasta dish.

For a veggie-forward accompaniment, consider roasting broccoli, zucchini, or other seasonal vegetables. Sautéed spinach or kale make excellent side dishes for stuffed shells. They provide a nutritional boost and additional texture.

The traditional combination of pasta, sauce, and cheese is also delicious alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a simple side salad. This complements the richness of the main dish.

Side Dish	Key Benefit
Green Salad	Offers a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells.
Garlic Bread	Complements the flavors of the pasta dish with a classic Italian pairing.
Roasted Vegetables	Provides a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to the stuffed shells.
Sautéed Greens	Adds a nutrient-dense side dish to the meal.
Caesar Salad	Balances the richness of the stuffed shells with a light and crisp side.

By pairing your homemade or store-bought stuffed shells with these simple and delicious side dishes, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Your family is sure to enjoy it.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic stuffed shells with meat and cheese are loved by many, there are many creative twists to try. For a Tex-Mex flavor, make taco-stuffed shells. Use seasoned ground beef or turkey, shredded cheese, and taco seasonings in the filling. Fill the shells with seasoned ground beef or turkey, shredded cheese, and taco seasoning.

For a creamy, chicken-based version, try chicken Alfredo stuffed shells. Fill them with cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cheese.

You can also make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and substitute ricotta with dairy-free ricotta or cottage cheese. Get creative and find your family’s new favorite stuffed shells recipe.

Whether you love traditional Italian flavors or want to try new ones, stuffed shells are versatile. They cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Explore and find your family’s new favorite version of this beloved dish.

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