Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: Hearty, Cheesy, and Delicious

Overview

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish? This Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat is perfect for you! It combines tender pasta shells stuffed with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground meat and creamy ricotta, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking a family meal, these stuffed shells are a hit every time. Plus, they’re easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time!

Motives to Love This Recipe

•	Comfort Food at its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory meat—this is the ultimate cozy dish.
•	Perfect for Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
•	Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes enough for a family dinner with leftovers or for serving guests.
•	Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to fit your taste.
•	Freezer Friendly: Great for meal prep—make a big batch and freeze some for later!

INGREDIENTS

✓	12 oz jumbo pasta shells
✓	1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
✓	1 small onion, finely chopped
✓	2 garlic cloves, minced
✓	1 tablespoon olive oil
✓	1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✓	1/2 teaspoon salt
✓	1/2 teaspoon black pepper
✓	1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
✓	2 cups ricotta cheese
✓	1 large egg
✓	1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
✓	3 cups marinara sauce
✓	Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrision Information

•	Calories: 420	•	Fat: 20g
•	Protein: 25g	•	Fiber: 3g
•	Carbohydrates: 35g	•	Sodium: 780mg

Required Kitchen Equipment

✷	Large pot for boiling pasta
✷	Skillet for cooking meat
✷	Mixing bowls
✷	9×13-inch baking dish
✷	Aluminum foil
✷	Spoon for stuffing shells

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INSTRUCTIONS

❶	Cook the Pasta
	Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
❷	Cook the Meat Filling
	Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
	Stir in the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
❸	Mix the Cheese Filling
	In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well. Once the meat has cooled, stir it into the cheese mixture.
❹	Preheat the Oven
	Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
❺	Stuff the Shells
	Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each cooled pasta shell with 2 tablespoons of the meat and cheese filling, then arrange them in the baking dish, open side up.
❻	Assemble and Bake
	Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
❼	Serve
	Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Benefits of the Food

Protein-Packed: Ground beef or sausage adds a good dose of protein, making this a filling meal.

Rich in Calcium: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan delivers a calcium boost for bone health.

Balanced Meal: With carbs from the pasta, protein from the meat, and fat from the cheese, this dish provides a well-rounded meal.

Tips and Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the meat for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Use Different Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used instead of beef or sausage.

Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes to the meat filling for a touch of heat.

Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.

How to Keep Leftovers

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Assemble the stuffed shells, then freeze before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQ

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great alternative if you prefer it to ricotta.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

3. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

After cooking the shells, toss them in a little olive oil to prevent sticking while they cool.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes! Store-bought marinara works perfectly fine, but you can also make your own for an added homemade touch.

5. Can I freeze this dish after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked stuffed shells. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Stuffed shells recipe with meat

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