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As a busy parent, finding tasty, family-friendly meals is a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share this Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe. It’s a perfect mix of great taste and simple prep.
These jumbo pasta shells are packed with a rich mix of ground sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory seasonings. They’re topped with a flavorful meat sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home, whether for a weekend party or a simple dinner.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hearty and satisfying stuffed shells with meat sauce
- Perfect for weekend entertaining or easy weeknight dinners
- Make-ahead convenience allows you to prep in advance
- Customizable with different meat options and veggie add-ins
- Freeze extra portions for future meals
Why These Stuffed Shells Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Get ready to delight your loved ones with these irresistible stuffed shells with meat! This classic Italian dish combines pasta, cheese, and savory ground beef or sausage. It’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Perfect for Weekend Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to impress your family, these cheesy stuffed shells are the perfect choice. The rich meat filling and creamy cheese topping make it a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Simple Enough for Weeknight Dinners
Don’t let the impressive presentation fool you – these beef stuffed shells are surprisingly simple to prepare. With a few easy steps, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying homemade dinner.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best things about this dish is its make-ahead versatility. You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an ideal option for meal prepping or entertaining. You can have a tasty and homemade dinner ready to go with minimal last-minute effort.
“These stuffed shells are a family favorite – the combination of savory meat, creamy cheese, and al dente pasta is simply irresistible.”
Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Meat
To make tasty stuffed shells with meat, you need the right ingredients. Start with jumbo pasta shells, about 35 for the filling.
The meat part uses 1 pound of ground Italian sausage. This adds a savory flavor. You’ll also need 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.
Eggs help hold the ricotta stuffed shells, three cheese stuffed shells, or sausage stuffed shells together. Adding fresh spinach boosts nutrition and color.
For flavor, use about 28 ounces of marinara sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Pasta Shells | 35 |
| Ground Italian Sausage | 1 pound |
| Ricotta Cheese | 15 ounces |
| Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded | 2 cups |
| Parmesan Cheese, Grated | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Spinach | 1 cup (optional) |
| Marinara Sauce | 28 ounces |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious pasta dinner. Your family will love it.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect baked stuffed shells or stuffed jumbo shells, you need some key tools. First, get a big pot for boiling the pasta. Then, use a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large skillet for baking. Don’t forget a colander to drain the pasta.
For the cheese filling, you’ll need mixing bowls of different sizes. Also, a whisk, fork, and large spoon or scoop are important for filling the shells. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the ingredients right. And, a cheese grater is great for shredding Parmesan cheese.
Baking Dishes and Pans
- 9×13 inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet
- Colander for draining cooked pasta
Mixing Bowls and Utensils
- Mixing bowls in various sizes
- Whisk
- Fork
- Large spoon or scoop for filling shells
Measuring Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen scale (for precise ingredient measurements)
With these tools, you’re ready to make tasty baked stuffed shells or stuffed jumbo shells. They’re sure to delight your family and guests.
How to Cook Perfect Pasta Shells Every Time
Cooking perfect stuffed pasta shells is key to a tasty Italian meal. Whether you’re making stuffed pasta shells or an italian stuffed shells recipe, a few steps can help. Your pasta will be tender, perfectly cooked, and ready for a cheesy filling.
- Use 4-6 quarts of water for each box of jumbo pasta shells. This much water helps the shells cook evenly without sticking.
- Bring the water to a rapid boil before adding the pasta. Adding 1 teaspoon of kosher salt will also boost the flavor.
- Cook the pasta for the lower end of the recommended time. This prevents the shells from getting too soft and falling apart.
- Drain the cooked shells well to remove excess water. Cooking the whole box is a good idea, even if you don’t use all of it. This way, you’ll have extras in case some break while filling.
By following these steps, you’ll have stuffed pasta shells ready for your favorite cheese and meat filling. Learning to cook the shells right is the first step to a memorable Italian dish.
Making the Rich Meat Sauce
To make the flavorful meat sauce for your stuffed shells with meat, pick the right ground meats. A mix of ground beef and Italian sausage is ideal. It gives a rich, savory taste that everyone will love.
Begin by browning the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. This ensures it cooks evenly. After the meat is fully cooked, drain any extra fat and put the skillet back on the heat.
Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor
To enhance the flavor of your meat sauce, use plenty of seasonings. Start with minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder in the skillet. Season well with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Add fresh, chopped basil and cilantro for an Italian twist.
Next, add a good marinara sauce or your homemade version. Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes and Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly.
With the right mix of ground beef and sausage, and the perfect seasonings, you’ll have a meat sauce that’s unforgettable. It will make your sausage stuffed shells a hit.
Creating the Perfect Cheese Filling
For ricotta stuffed shells, three cheese stuffed shells, or cheesy stuffed shells, the cheese filling is key. It adds a rich flavor and keeps the filling together. This is important to avoid leaks while baking.
Begin by mixing 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. These cheeses offer a great mix of creaminess, stringiness, and tanginess. Freshly grated cheese is better for flavor and texture.
Add 1 egg and 2 egg yolks to the mix. The egg helps the filling stick together while baking. Mix everything well in a large bowl until it’s smooth.
For extra flavor, add 2 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley and 3 tablespoons of basil. Season with 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt and 1 3/4 teaspoons of black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Now, you have the perfect cheese filling. You’re ready to make a delicious ricotta stuffed shells, three cheese stuffed shells, or cheesy stuffed shells dish. It’s sure to impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Making stuffed jumbo shells with a tasty meat sauce is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create your baked stuffed shells masterpiece.
Filling the Shells
Start by filling each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of creamy cheese. Press the filling gently into the shells for even distribution. This will make your stuffed shells rich and indulgent.
Layering in the Baking Dish
Put the filled shells in a baking dish coated with a thin layer of meat sauce. You can place them seam side up or down, as you like. Pack them closely together in a single layer to fit more shells in the pan.
After arranging all the shells, top them with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. This will create a cheesy crust on your baked stuffed shells.
With these steps, you’ll have a pan of perfectly layered and baked stuffed jumbo shells ready for the oven. This dish is perfect for family dinners or weekend meals.
Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines
To bake the perfect baked stuffed shells with a tasty meat filling, timing and temperature are key. Follow these steps for a dish that’s hot, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps cook the shells evenly and melts the cheese to a golden, bubbly state.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed shells for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- If baking the shells straight from the refrigerator, add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat through completely.
- For frozen stuffed shells, bake the dish covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll get baked stuffed shells that are hot, cheesy, and full of flavor. This classic Italian dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
| Pasta Shells | Ground Beef | Cheese Blend | Cooking Time | Storage | Prep Time | Ingredient Variations | Make Ahead | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 1 pound | 1-1/2 cups | 40 minutes covered, 5-10 minutes uncovered | 4-5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen | Prep over two days, pasta chilled overnight | Different meats, vegetarian, herbs/spices, veggies, gluten-free | Keep in fridge for up to three days | 4.9 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
With these detailed baking instructions, you’ll have perfectly cooked baked stuffed shells every time. They’re great for weekend gatherings or a tasty weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
Storage and Freezing Methods
Learn how to store and freeze easy stuffed shells with meat for convenience. These tips are great for leftovers or making ahead. Enjoy the flavors for days.
Refrigeration Tips
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’re perfect for quick dinners or lunches. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze, prepare the stuffed shells in a disposable baking dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil, then wrap three times with plastic wrap.
- Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap but keep the foil on.
- Bake the frozen stuffed shells at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
These easy storage and freezing methods let you enjoy stuffed shells with meat anytime. Serve them to a crowd or your family.
Proper storage keeps your stuffed shells fresh and tasty. Follow these tips to enjoy this dish for days or months.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
When serving your stuffed shells with meat or italian stuffed shells recipe, you have many tasty options. A light side salad, like a Caesar salad, pairs well with the rich pasta. It adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
For a heartier side, try garlic bread or garlic toast with your stuffed shells. The garlic enhances the cheese flavors. You can also offer extra Parmesan cheese and basil for guests to add to their plates.
Looking for something lighter? Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad are great choices. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus take just 20-25 minutes to prepare. They add nutrition and balance out the richness of the stuffed shells with meat.
For a creamy twist, serve the stuffed shells with homemade Alfredo sauce. The savory meat and rich Alfredo sauce make for a decadent meal.
Lastly, adding Italian sausage or meatballs to the shells boosts the meat flavor. This hearty addition will please even the biggest meat lovers.
Whether you choose classic sides or something new, the stuffed shells with meat or italian stuffed shells recipe will be a hit. They offer a comforting, delicious pasta dinner perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Making Ahead and Meal Prep
Preparation is key for easy stuffed shells or stuffed pasta shells. With some planning, you can make this dish ahead and enjoy it all week. Here are some tips to help you prep ahead:
- Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. This lets the flavors mix and the filling firm up for easy stuffing.
- Make the meat sauce and cheese filling separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembly. This way, you can work on the parts ahead of time.
- Cook the pasta shells ahead of time, toss them with olive oil to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to bake, just layer the pre-cooked shells with the sauce and filling. Then, pop it in the oven. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a great weekend meal with little effort.
| Preparation Step | Advance Time |
|---|---|
| Assemble entire dish | Up to 24 hours |
| Prepare meat sauce and cheese filling | Up to 2 days |
| Cook pasta shells | Up to 2 days |
With these make-ahead tips, making easy stuffed shells or stuffed pasta shells is a breeze. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells with meat are a tasty and flexible meal for any time. They’re great for weekend parties or weeknight meals. This dish mixes the rich tastes of Italian-American food with a meaty filling, making it a cozy pasta dish everyone will love.
This recipe lets you prepare ahead and freeze the shells. This makes it easy to have a ready meal, saving you time in the kitchen. You can choose from classic ground beef or try other meats, making it a showcase of homemade Italian-American cooking.
Give these easy stuffed shells with meat a try and find a new favorite dish. They’re full of flavor, versatile, and convenient. This recipe will quickly become a go-to in your Italian-inspired cooking, satisfying your pasta cravings.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this stuffed shells recipe?
The main ingredients are jumbo pasta shells, ground sausage or beef, and ricotta cheese. You’ll also need mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and spinach. Don’t forget marinara sauce and seasonings like garlic powder and salt.
What makes this stuffed shells dish versatile?
This recipe is great for any time because you can make it ahead and freeze it. You can also change up the meat and cheese to fit your taste.
What tools and equipment are needed to make this stuffed shells recipe?
You’ll need a big pot for boiling pasta and a 9×13 inch baking dish. Also, mixing bowls, measuring cups, a cheese grater, and a spoon for filling shells. A colander and skillet for cooking the meat are also key.
How do you cook the pasta shells perfectly?
Use 4-6 quarts of water for each box of shells. Boil it with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook the shells as directed, but aim for the lower end of the range. Drain them well to avoid water in the dish.
How do you prepare the meat sauce for the stuffed shells?
Brown ground sausage and beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Add bell peppers for flavor and nutrition. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it with marinara sauce or homemade crushed tomatoes and herbs.
How do you make the cheese filling for the stuffed shells?
Mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, cooked spinach, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure to mix well for even distribution. Freshly grated cheese is best.
How do you assemble and bake the stuffed shells?
Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture. Place them in a baking dish with a thin layer of sauce. Top with more sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then remove foil for 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
How do you store and freeze the stuffed shells?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, use a disposable dish, cover with foil, and wrap in plastic. Freeze for 3 months. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then 5-10 minutes without foil.
What are some serving suggestions and side dishes for stuffed shells?
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a full meal. Caesar salad is a great choice. Offer extra Parmesan cheese and basil. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
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extra link
How To Make STUFFED SHELLS | Beef And Cheese Stuffed Shells | Simply Mamá Cooks
