Cozy Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe For Dinner Joy

Creamy stuffed shells burst with a delightful blend of savory ingredients that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pasta lovers seek comfort in every delectable bite of this hearty dish.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors nestle perfectly within tender pasta pockets.

Each shell cradles a rich mixture of ground beef and melted cheeses.

Herbs and spices add an unexpected twist to this classic comfort food.

Weeknight dinners just got a seriously delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into a meal that promises warmth, satisfaction, and pure culinary joy.

What Makes Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese So Enjoyable

Quick Family Feast: Packed with hearty ground beef and creamy cheese, this stuffed shells recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Beginner-Friendly Cooking: No advanced culinary skills required – simple steps make this dish perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic Italian-American flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.

Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepared ahead of time, freezes beautifully, and reheats perfectly for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Stuffed Shells Meat Cheese Combo

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding delicious filling, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the dish, lean beef works best for less grease.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy blend that creates a luxurious and melty filling, use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and meat mixture together for a cohesive filling.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright note to the overall dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that complements the stuffed shells, choose a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version for best taste.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese How-To

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta Shells

Drop the shells into salted boiling water and cook until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain and set them aside, ready for their cheesy adventure.

Step 3: Brown The Meat

Sizzle the ground beef in a skillet until it’s beautifully browned.

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Let the meat develop those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 4: Create The Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Cooked ground beef

Mix everything until it’s wonderfully blended.

Step 5: Stuff The Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the rich meat and cheese mixture.

Pack them generously.

Step 6: Prepare The Baking Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over top.

Step 7: Add The Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells, creating a tempting cheesy blanket.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that signals it’s ready to devour.

Stuffed Shells With Meat – Filling And Baking Tips

• Rinse cooked shells in cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent shells from clumping together.
• Use room temperature cheeses for smoother mixing and more even distribution throughout the stuffing.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to avoid a greasy filling and ensure a clean, rich flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover to achieve a golden, crispy top.

Storage and Reheat Method for Stuffed Shells With Meat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place refrigerated shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining their delicious cheesy goodness.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot.

Stuffed Shells With Meat Companions

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the marinara's tanginess.
• Create Fresh Salad Balance: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, zesty contrast against the hearty pasta dish, adding refreshing green notes.
• Serve Garlic Herb Bread: Prepare crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic and herbs to soak up extra marinara sauce, adding textural crunch and complementary Mediterranean flavors.
• Match with Bright Side Dish: Prepare roasted vegetable medley with zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to introduce colorful, lighter elements that balance the shell's richness.

Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Variations

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves, keeping the delicious meat and cheese filling intact.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use taco seasoning instead of garlic powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are stuffed shells considered a good option for meal prep?

Yes, stuffed shells are excellent for meal prep. You can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat. They hold up well and taste just as delicious when reheated.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian meat substitutes. The cheese and marinara sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.

• What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

No problem. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-inspired Stuffed Shells with ground beef deliver a comforting blend of savory meat, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Pasta lovers will savor each cheesy, satisfying bite of this classic Mediterranean-style dish that promises warmth and deliciousness on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (225 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal cooking.
2. Immerse pasta shells in generously salted water, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency, then carefully drain and reserve.
3. Transform ground beef in a hot skillet, browning thoroughly while infusing with aromatic seasonings to enhance flavor complexity.
4. Craft a luxurious filling by gently combining creamy ricotta, a whisked egg, a portion of mozzarella, aged Parmesan, fragrant parsley, and the seasoned cooked beef, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
5. Delicately fill each pasta shell with the decadent meat and cheese mixture, ensuring a generous but not overflowing portion.
6. Establish a flavorful foundation by spreading a vibrant marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, then artfully arrange the stuffed shells atop the sauce, cascading with the remaining sauce to ensure complete coverage.
7. Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of remaining mozzarella, promising a golden, melted cheese topping.
8. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and enticing golden-brown finish.

Notes

• Make shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfect texture that’s not mushy or hard.
• Drain pasta shells completely and let them cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning your hands and help mixture adhere better.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, creating a cleaner and lighter filling that won’t make the dish feel heavy.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity that elevates the overall taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg