Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

Craving a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish? This Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese recipe combines tender pasta shells, flavorful seasoned meat, and creamy, gooey cheese to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress, these stuffed shells are easy to prepare and even better when made ahead. Read on to discover step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips for making this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!

this Recipe

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What are Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese?

Stuffed shells with meat and cheese are jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of ground meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings, all baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This dish is similar to lasagna or baked ziti, but the pasta shells create individual pockets of cheesy, meaty goodness. The shells are often topped with more cheese and sauce, then baked to perfection, making it the ultimate comfort food!

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Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious stuffed shells:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells – 1 box (12 oz), cooked al dente (about 25-30 shells).
• Ground Beef (or Italian sausage) – 1 pound, for the meaty filling.
• Ricotta Cheese – 15 oz, for a creamy filling.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups, divided (for the filling and topping).
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, for added flavor in the filling.
• Egg – 1 large, to bind the filling together.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a punch of flavor.
• Onion – 1 small, finely diced.
• Marinara Sauce – 2 cups, homemade or store-bought, for baking.
• Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish).
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility! Here are a few substitutions and variations to customize the dish to your taste:

• Meat Options: Instead of ground beef, you can use Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), ground turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Choices: While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional, you can swap in cottage cheese for ricotta or use a different melty cheese like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
• Add Spinach: For a touch of greenery, mix in a cup of cooked, chopped spinach into the filling for added nutrients and color.
• Spice it Up: If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or chopped hot Italian peppers to the filling for an extra kick.
• Sauce Variations: While marinara is classic, you could also use a creamy Alfredo sauce or a meat sauce if you want a more decadent dish.

These options allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences or make use of ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and delicious stuffed shells recipe:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but undercook them slightly (cook for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time) since they will continue to cook in the oven.
   • Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg. Stir in the cooked ground meat mixture and mix until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Assemble the Shells:
   • Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Using a spoon or your hands, fill each pasta shell with a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture.
   • Place the filled shells in the baking dish, seam side up. Arrange them close together in a single layer.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, making sure to cover each shell with sauce.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the stuffed shells cool for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

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How to Cook Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick overview of the main steps for cooking stuffed shells with meat and cheese:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Brown the meat with onions, garlic, and seasonings.
4. Mix the cheese filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the cooked meat.
5. Fill the shells with the meat and cheese mixture.
6. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve with fresh herbs for garnish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente (slightly firm), as they will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked shells can become mushy during baking.
• Not Draining the Meat Properly: After browning the meat, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Underseasoning the Filling: Be sure to taste the meat and cheese mixture before filling the shells to ensure it's properly seasoned. Remember, ricotta cheese is mild, so salt and pepper are key.
• Using Too Much Sauce: While you want enough sauce to keep the shells moist, too much sauce can make the dish soggy. Stick to about 2 cups of marinara for this recipe.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Stuffed shells with meat and cheese make a beautiful and hearty meal, but a little attention to presentation can elevate the dish even more.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese:

• Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion of stuffed shells.
• Individual Portions: Serve each person 3-4 stuffed shells on a plate, with extra marinara sauce drizzled over the top.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even a few whole basil leaves over the top before serving.
• Grated Parmesan: Serve with extra grated Parmesan on the side so each person can add more cheesy goodness.
• Bread Basket: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping into the sauce.

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Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze beautifully! Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe and use two baking dishes. Stuffed shells also make great leftovers and are perfect for reheating!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.

What’s the best cheese to use for stuffed shells?
Ricotta is traditional for the filling, but you can mix it with mozzarella and Parmesan for added flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer taste.

Can I use a different type of sauce?
Absolutely! While marinara is the classic choice, Alfredo sauce, meat sauce, or even a vodka sauce can be used for a different flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

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Conclusion:

This Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, savory meat, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, hearty goodness!

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