If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying, this stuffed shells recipe with meat is the perfect solution. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that combines jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich meat and cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a cozy meal for your family, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Plus, it’s an easy-to-follow dish that can be prepped ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 pound ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the meat)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or reduced fat)
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided for filling and topping)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup thawed and squeezed spinach (optional, for extra greens)
1 egg
2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, or alternatively, a combination of dried oregano, basil, and parsley.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional, for added flavor)
For the Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup water (to thin the sauce)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta:
1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells (uncooked)
2 tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling pasta water)
Optional Garnish:
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
Heat a sizable pot of water with salt until it reaches a boiling point. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 9 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the shells from sticking together.
After cooking, remove the pasta from heat and rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow the shells to cool while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Meat Filling
As the pasta cooks, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Take the skillet off the heat and eliminate any surplus fat.
Mix the Cheese Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, thawed spinach (if applicable), one egg, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
Add the cooked meat mixture to the cheese filling and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt or pepper if desired.
Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully stuff each cooked jumbo shell with the meat and cheese filling. Be generous with the filling, as it will make the dish heartier and more flavorful.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix the marinara sauce with ½ cup of water, dried oregano, and garlic powder. This helps thin the sauce so that it coats the pasta evenly without being too thick.
Assemble the Dish
Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Position the stuffed shells in a single layer atop the sauce.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the shells, making sure each shell is well-covered with sauce.
Bake the Stuffed Shells
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for a duration of 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the stuffed shells are baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These stuffed shells are hearty, cheesy, and filled with meaty goodness that your family will love.
Tips for Making the Perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat
Customize the Filling
Feel free to get creative with the filling! While ground beef or Italian sausage is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute if you prefer a lighter or plant-based option. Adding spinach or other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms can also elevate the nutritional value of the dish.
Make it Ahead of Time
One of the best things about stuffed shells is that they are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Please ensure to allocate a few additional minutes for the baking process. time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
Stuffed shells also freeze well, making them ideal for batch cooking. To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Instead, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, bake the frozen stuffed shells at 375°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until fully heated through.
Serve with a Side Dish
For a well-rounded meal, serve these stuffed shells with classic Italian side dishes like a Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also pair them with a glass of red wine for a more elevated dining experience.
Conclusion: A Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat Your Family Will Love
This stuffed shells recipe with meat is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its rich, cheesy filling and savory marinara sauce, it’s a classic dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy weeknight meal, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.
By following this recipe and tips, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. So why not give it a try? Your family and friends will thank you!
FAQs about Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta if you want a lighter option. Just be sure to drain the excess liquid from the cottage cheese before mixing it into the filling.
How Can I Prevent the Shells from Tearing?
Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Aim for an al dente texture, which means the shells should be firm to the bite but not too soft. Also, handle the cooked pasta gently to avoid tearing.
Can I Add Extra Cheese on Top?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra layer of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed shells before baking. It will make the dish even more cheesy and delicious.
