Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat – Easy Baked Comfort Food

Stuffed shells with meat are a tasty Italian pasta dish. They mix ricotta cheese, ground beef, and homemade marinara sauce. This recipe fills jumbo pasta shells with cheese and meat, then tops them with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

These shells are great for family dinners or special events. They offer a rich and satisfying meal.

Key Takeaways

• Stuffed shells with meat are a classic Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines ricotta, ground beef, and marinara sauce.
• The recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory cheese and meat mixture, topped with homemade meat sauce and melted mozzarella.
• This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
• The recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in advance for added convenience.
• The stuffed shells can be customized with different meat options, such as ground beef, veal, or sausage.

Why This Meaty Stuffed Shells Recipe Is a Family Favorite

Stuffed macaroni shells and stuffed jumbo pasta shells are loved by many. This recipe combines meat, cheese, and seasonings in a tasty way. It’s a favorite in many homes for good reasons.

Perfect for Special Occasions

This stuffed shells recipe is perfect for special events. It’s a dish that impresses with its meaty filling, creamy cheese, and pasta. It’s great for holidays or family dinners, making it the highlight of the meal.

Make-Ahead Convenience

This recipe is great because you can make it ahead of time. You can prep it and store it in the fridge or freezer. Then, just bake it when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy days or big gatherings.

Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

This stuffed shells recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, ricotta cheese, and pasta. It’s a filling meal that’s easy on the wallet. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd without spending a lot.

This meaty stuffed shells recipe is a hit with families. It’s great for any occasion, from special events to weeknights. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat

To make the best stuffed shells with meat, you need the right ingredients. Start with jumbo pasta shells, the perfect home for the filling. You’ll also need 1 pound of ground beef, or you can use Italian sausage or ground turkey for a twist.

The cheese mix is key, with 1-1/2 cups of Italian cheese blend and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. This combo gives a creamy texture and rich flavors. To hold it all together, use 1 large egg. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley and basil add a nice aroma.

The sauce is made with 24-ounce marinara sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. These ingredients create a creamy sauce that wraps around the shells. Seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper add to the flavor.

Finally, top the shells with 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts to create a golden, bubbly crust. With these ingredients, every bite of the stuffed shells recipe with meat is a treat.

“The key to a perfect beef stuffed shells dish is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. This recipe masterfully combines the richness of the cheese filling with the heartiness of the ground beef and the tangy marinara sauce.”

Ingredient	Quantity	Price
Ground Beef	1 pound	$3.37
Italian Cheese Blend	1-1/2 cups	$1.25
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup	$0.58
Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese	15 ounces	$3.39
Jumbo Pasta Shells	24 shells	$2.00
Marinara Sauce	24 ounces	$3.29
Tomato Paste	2 tablespoons	$0.25
Chopped Parsley	1/4 cup	$0.24
Large Egg	1	$0.18
Seasonings	Various	$0.30
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese	1.5 cups	$1.86

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Preparing the classic stuffed pasta shells dish is easier with the right kitchen tools. Whether you’re making creamy, cheesy shells or savory macaroni shells, you’ll need a few key items. These include essential tools and gadgets for a smooth cooking process.

Baking Dish Requirements

A large, deep 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for stuffed shells. It fits all the pasta pieces without overcrowding. For more servings or leftovers, consider a bigger 11×15-inch dish.

Cooking Tools and Utensils

You’ll need a few important tools for stuffed pasta shells. A large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for the meat filling, and mixing bowls for ingredients are must-haves. A cheese grater for shredding cheese is also necessary. Tongs, a spatula, and a spoon will help with assembly and baking.

Storage Containers

After enjoying your stuffed pasta shells, you’ll have leftovers. Airtight containers, glass or plastic, are best for storing them. Disposable aluminum dishes are great for freezing make-ahead shells to thaw and bake later.

Having the right kitchen equipment makes cooking stuffed shells easy. With the right tools and storage, you can quickly make delicious stuffed pasta shells for your family or guests.

Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making perfect stuffed shells with meat is easy and rewarding. It results in a comforting, delicious baked pasta dish. Follow these steps to make your own stuffed shells with a tasty meat filling.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo pasta shells as the package says, about 12-14 minutes. Drain and let cool a bit.
3. In a big mixing bowl, mix 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 4 ounces of cream cheese, and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan. Blend well.
4. Add 1 pound of cooked, crumbled ground beef to the cheese mix. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices as you like.
5. Spread 3 cups of your favorite marinara sauce in a 13×9 inch baking dish.
6. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese and meat mix. Place them in the dish.
7. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they’re all coated.
8. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt and the sauce bubble.
11. Let the shells cool a bit before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if you like.
13. Serve the stuffed shells with meat hot and enjoy the tasty, comforting flavors!

The secret to this recipe is the right mix of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce. By following these steps, you’ll make a beef stuffed shells dish that everyone will love.

Ingredient	Quantity
Jumbo Pasta Shells	20 shells
Ground Beef	1 pound
Ricotta Cheese	15 ounces
Mozzarella Cheese	2 cups, shredded
Parmesan Cheese	1/3 cup, grated
Cream Cheese	4 ounces
Marinara Sauce	3 cups

By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious and comforting stuffed shells with meat dish. The key is to balance the creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce for a satisfying baked pasta experience.

How to Make the Perfect Cheese and Meat Filling

Making the perfect cheese and meat filling is key to a delicious stuffed shells recipe with meat. It combines creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan with seasoned ground beef. This mix creates a satisfying stuffed shell experience.

Cheese Blend Tips

For the best texture and flavor, shred cheese from blocks, not pre-shredded. This makes the filling creamier and more cohesive. The recipe uses 1-1/2 cups of an Italian cheese blend. This blend includes mozzarella, Parmesan, and sometimes asiago or romano cheeses.

Meat Preparation Techniques

• Use 1 pound of ground beef for the filling.
• Cook the beef with diced onions and minced garlic for added depth of flavor.
• Drain any excess fat from the cooked meat before adding it to the cheese mixture.

Seasoning Guidelines

Season the cheese and meat filling with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, and fresh basil. This blend creates a well-rounded taste that complements the stuffed jumbo pasta shells perfectly. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for the ultimate flavorful filling.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 pound
Italian cheese blend	1-1/2 cups
Ricotta cheese	Approximately 16 ounces
Mozzarella cheese	2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup, grated
Egg	1 large
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Dried parsley	1 tablespoon
Fresh basil	1/4 cup, chopped
Salt and black pepper	To taste

Preparing and Cooking the Pasta Shells

Getting the macaroni shells or pasta shells ready is key in this tasty recipe. First, cook the jumbo pasta shells in plenty of salted water until they’re al dente. It’s important not to overcook them, as this can cause them to tear when you stuff them.

To cook the pasta, use 4 to 6 quarts of water and add a pinch of salt when the water boils. Cook the whole box of shells, even if you don’t need all of them. Having extra shells can be useful if some break while you’re assembling.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 12-15 minutes, until al dente.
3. Drain the cooked shells and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process.

By following these steps, you’ll make sure the stuffed macaroni shells or stuffed pasta shells stay in good shape. They’ll be easy to fill with the tasty meat and cheese mixture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Jumbo pasta shells	20 shells
Water	4-6 quarts
Salt	To taste

Making the Homemade Meat Sauce

The secret to great stuffed shells with meat is the homemade sauce. This sauce mixes ground beef or Italian sausage with marinara. It adds flavor and heartiness to your beef stuffed shells. Let’s explore how to make the perfect sauce for your baked shells.

Sauce Consistency Tips

To get the right sauce, start by cooking ground beef or Italian sausage in a large pan. Use a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the meat is browned, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they smell good.

Next, add a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a bit of red wine or beef broth. This makes a smooth, tasty base.

Seasoning Balance

Seasoning is key for a great meat sauce. Start with a good amount of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

For more flavor, add a few chopped basil leaves and some grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken.

Now that your meat sauce is ready, you’re almost there. The savory sauce will go well with the creamy cheese filling. Together, they make a wonderful baked pasta dish.

Assembly and Baking Instructions

Getting ready to bake your stuffed shells with meat is the last step. Follow these easy steps to make your stuffed shells recipe with meat a hit.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
3. Fill each stuffed jumbo pasta shell with 1-2 tablespoons of cheese and meat mix.
4. Place the filled shells in the dish, side by side.
5. Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the shells, covering them well.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes. The cheese should be melted and golden.

Let the stuffed shells recipe with meat cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the shells stay firm and the flavors blend. Enjoy your homemade stuffed shells as a cozy and tasty meal!

Ingredient	Amount
Ground beef	1 pound
Baking dish size	13×9-inch
Baking temperature	375°F
Initial baking time	30 minutes
Additional baking time	5-10 minutes

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Enjoying your freshly baked stuffed pasta shells doesn’t have to end. You can keep the flavors alive for days or weeks. Just follow the right storage and freezing tips.

To store leftover stuffed pasta shells or stuffed macaroni shells, put them in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. Add extra time if they’re cold.

For longer storage, freeze the shells easily. Put them in a disposable baking pan, cover with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Storage Option	Maximum Duration
Refrigerator	4 days
Freezer	3 months

Follow these simple tips to enjoy your stuffed pasta shells or stuffed macaroni shells for longer. They’re perfect for busy nights or surprise guests.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Stuffed shells with meat are a favorite comfort food. But why stick to just one recipe? You can try new things like different proteins, cheeses, or dietary options. This dish is full of possibilities.

Meat Options

While beef is classic, you can mix it up. Try ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and Italian sausage. For a veggie option, use fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms and peppers.

Cheese Alternatives

Ricotta is traditional, but cottage cheese works too. Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for a richer taste. Adding grated zucchini or other veggies boosts nutrition and texture.

Gluten-free pasta shells make this dish accessible for everyone. Whole-wheat shells offer a healthier choice. You can customize this stuffed shells with meat recipe to fit your taste and diet.

“Experimenting with different ingredients is half the fun of cooking. Don’t be afraid to try new things – you might just discover your new favorite version of this classic dish!”

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Make your stuffed shells recipe with meat even better by adding side dishes. Serve it with homemade garlic bread for a taste of Italy. A green salad or Caesar salad adds a fresh touch to the rich pasta.

For a full meal, start with a light soup or roasted veggies. The stuffed shells go well with many sides, making your dinner balanced and enjoyable.

Before you serve, top the shells with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This not only looks great but also adds flavor. With these tips, your stuffed shells will be a hit with your guests.

FAQ

What are stuffed shells with meat?

Stuffed shells with meat are a tasty Italian dish. It mixes ricotta, ground beef, and marinara sauce. The dish fills jumbo pasta shells with a cheesy, meaty mix, topped with homemade sauce and melted cheese.

Why is this stuffed shells recipe a family favorite?

This recipe is loved by families for its taste and ease. It’s perfect for special events, offering a cheesy, meaty delight. You can make it ahead and freeze it, which is great for busy times. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients to make a satisfying meal for all.

What are the key ingredients in this stuffed shells recipe?

The main ingredients are jumbo pasta shells, ground beef or Italian sausage, and ricotta cheese. Mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, spinach, marinara sauce, and spices are also key. The mix of three cheeses and fresh herbs like parsley and basil add to the flavor.

What kitchen equipment is needed for this stuffed shells recipe?

You’ll need a big pot for boiling pasta, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and a skillet for cooking meat. Mixing bowls and utensils are also essential. A cheese grater is good for shredding cheese. Use disposable dishes for freezing and airtight containers for leftovers.

How do you make stuffed shells with meat?

First, cook the pasta shells until they’re al dente. Then, make the meat sauce and cheese filling. Fill the shells with the cheese and meat mix. Place them in a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.

How do you make the perfect cheese and meat filling?

Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with cooked ground meat. Shredding cheese from blocks works best. Add onions and garlic to the meat for flavor. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs for a rich taste.

How do you prepare and cook the pasta shells?

Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they’re al dente. Use 4-6 quarts of water and add salt when boiling. Cook the whole box to have extra shells. Drain and rinse the shells with cool water after cooking.

How do you make the homemade meat sauce?

The meat sauce is made with ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara sauce, tomato paste, and spices. Cook the meat with onions and garlic first. Simmer the sauce to develop flavors and adjust seasoning with herbs, salt, and pepper.

How do you assemble and bake the stuffed shells?

Layer meat sauce in the baking dish, then add stuffed shells. Fill each shell with cheese and meat mix. Cover with sauce and cheese, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then 5-10 minutes more until golden.

How do you store and freeze leftover stuffed shells?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, use a disposable baking pan, cover with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking. Add extra time for reheating if cold.

What are some recipe variations and substitutions?

Try using ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and sausage. For a vegetarian version, use spinach or other veggies. Cottage cheese can replace ricotta. Experiment with cheese combinations or add veggies to the filling. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

What are some recommended serving suggestions and side dishes?

Serve with homemade garlic bread for a classic combo. A green salad or Caesar salad complements the dish. Add roasted veggies or a light soup as a starter. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor and presentation.

Source:

• Stuffed Shells with Meat
• Stuffed Shells with Meat
• Stuffed Pasta Shells: Perfect for Special Occasions
• Stuffed Shells with Ground Meat | Stuffed Pasta Shells