Are you looking for a comforting Italian meal that everyone will enjoy? This recipe for stuffed shells with meat is perfect. It’s filled with ground beef, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Then, it’s baked in a rich tomato sauce, making it a hit with everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a delicious recipe for stuffed shells with meat, a classic Italian comfort food.
- Learn how to make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for easy weeknight dinners.
- Explore the perfect blend of cheeses and seasonings that make this recipe a family favorite.
- Understand the convenience of using a jarred marinara sauce to simplify the cooking process.
- Uncover tips for cooking the pasta shells perfectly every time.
What Are Stuffed Shells with Meat?
Stuffed shells with meat are a favorite Italian dish. They mix pasta, ground meat, and creamy cheese. The pasta shells are filled with ground beef, ricotta cheese, and spices. Then, they’re baked in tomato sauce.
This makes a hearty, tasty dish. It’s great for family dinners or any time you want a Italian-inspired meal.
A Comforting and Delicious Italian Classic
The stuffed shells with meat recipe is a beloved Italian classic. It’s loved for its comfort and taste. The meat-filled pasta shells look good and taste even better.
They’re perfect as a main dish or part of a big spread. This classic dish is a hit with everyone.
The stuffed shells with meat recipe makes 12 servings. It has 5-star ratings from home cooks. It’s quick to make, ready in about 30 minutes, and cooks in 45 minutes.
This dish is perfect for busy nights or special events. It’s a homemade, Italian-inspired meal that impresses guests.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells with Meat Recipe
Looking for a simple, make-ahead dinner that everyone will love? This stuffed shells with meat recipe is perfect. It has savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tasty marinara sauce. It’s a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
This make-ahead stuffed shells recipe is great because it’s flexible. You can make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready. It’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
This easy stuffed shells with meat recipe is loved by kids and adults. The mix of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese is delicious. The jumbo pasta shells make it fun for kids to eat.
Need a make-ahead meal or a dish that everyone will like? This stuffed shells with meat recipe is a hit. It will become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients for Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells
The secret to these stuffed shells with meat is a mix of ground Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. They also have tangy Parmesan. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil, along with eggs, help hold the filling together.
To start, you’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground Italian sausage
- 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil
- A 28-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce
This mix of what’s in stuffed shells makes a tasty meat filling. It’s perfect for a comforting Italian dish.
“The key to a truly memorable stuffed shells with meat dish is the perfect balance of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs.”
How to Cook the Perfect Pasta Shells
Cooking pasta shells right is key for your stuffed shells with meat. Here are some tips to get your shells just right:
- Use plenty of water. Bring a large pot of water to a full, rolling boil before adding the jumbo pasta shells.
- Season the water with salt. Adding a teaspoon or two of salt to the boiling water will help season the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook the shells until just shy of al dente. Set a timer and cook the shells for a minute or two less than the package instructions to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Drain the shells well. Thoroughly drain the cooked shells in a colander to remove any excess water that could make the filling watery.
By following these simple tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked pasta shells. They’ll hold their shape and texture when filled and baked. The shells will be tender yet firm, perfect for your savory meat filling.
“The key to great stuffed shells is ensuring the pasta is cooked just right – not too soft, not too firm. These tips will give you perfectly al dente shells every time.”
Homemade Marinara Sauce vs. Jarred Sauce
When making stuffed shells with meat, you can choose between homemade marinara or jarred spaghetti sauce. Homemade marinara takes more effort but gives a true Italian taste. It’s worth the extra time for this authentic flavor.
The Convenience of Jarred Sauce
If you’re short on time, a good jarred spaghetti sauce can save the day. It’s fast and easy, yet still tasty. Just mix a 24-ounce jar of your favorite sauce with a 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, a quarter-cup of grated Parmesan, and simmer for a few minutes. You’ll have a tasty sauce for your stuffed shells.
This quick sauce takes only 15 minutes to prepare and cooks in 25 minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights or when you’re hosting a big group. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for those in a rush.
| Homemade Marinara Sauce | Jarred Spaghetti Sauce |
|---|---|
| Authentic Italian flavor | Convenient and quick |
| Requires more effort | Ready in 25 minutes |
| Simmered for 25 minutes | Serves 6 people |
Whether you make your own marinara or use a jarred sauce, both are great for stuffed shells with meat. Homemade sauce has a richer taste, while jarred sauce is quicker. Your choice depends on your time and taste preferences.
Grating Cheese for Melty Goodness
Creating the perfect stuffed shells with meat starts with the cheese. Instead of using pre-shredded cheese, grate it from a block. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and adds a melty texture to your dish.
Using a good cheese grater with different grates lets you shred the cheese just right. Fine shreds melt better, making the filling creamy and cohesive. For the top, a coarser grate gives nicely melted, yet distinct cheese pieces.
While pre-shredded cheese might be easy, grating it yourself makes a big difference. Your stuffed shells with meat will thank you for the extra effort. So, take a few minutes to shred that cheese for the best melty goodness.
“The secret to the perfect stuffed shells with meat is in the cheese – grate it yourself for maximum meltiness!”
Finding Jumbo Pasta Shells
Finding jumbo pasta shells for your stuffed shells recipe can be tricky. These big shells are great for filling, but they’re not easy to find. But, with some effort, you can find them and make your stuffed shells even better.
Start by checking your local supermarket. They might not always have them, but keep looking. Many stores carry these shells, especially in the pasta or Italian food section. If you can’t find them, ask a store employee if they can order some for you.
If you can’t find them locally, try shopping online. Jumbo pasta shells are easy to find on Amazon and other websites. You can buy them in bulk, so you’ll always have enough for your stuffed shells.
When sourcing jumbo shells for stuffed shells, look for packages with at least 20 shells. This ensures you have enough for a full dish. With a bit of patience and exploring different places, you’ll make amazing homemade stuffed shells.
stuffed shells with meat
Making the perfect stuffed shells with meat is a fun process. It combines tender pasta, savory ground beef or Italian sausage, and creamy cheese. Let’s explore how to make this comforting Italian dish.
First, cook the sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then set the cooked meat aside. Next, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and beaten eggs for the cheese filling.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, then top them with the cooked meat and your favorite marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake the stuffed shells with meat in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 30-40 minutes. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. If you have extra cheese filling, use it to stuff more pasta shells for a bigger meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Pasta Shells | 12-ounce box |
| Italian Sausage or Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| Ricotta Cheese | 15 ounces |
| Mozzarella Cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs, beaten | 2 |
| Pasta Sauce | 4 cups |
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and hearty meat-filled pasta shells dish. It’s sure to satisfy your family’s cravings. Enjoy!
Baking and Make-Ahead Instructions
Baking the perfect baked stuffed shells is easy. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, put the shells in a 13-inch baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Next, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes. This will give you that golden brown cheese on top.
Want to make the stuffed shells ahead of time? You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it as instructed.
Refrigerating and Freezing Stuffed Shells
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the entire dish for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
| Baking Time | Refrigerating | Freezing |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes covered, 5 minutes uncovered at 350°F | Up to 24 hours | Up to 3 months |
Whether you’re baking stuffed shells for a quick dinner or preparing them ahead, this recipe is perfect. It offers tips for make-ahead and freezing stuffed shells, ensuring you always have a tasty dinner ready.
Conclusion
This stuffed shells with meat recipe is a tasty and comforting dish. It’s great for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and special occasions. The flavorful ground beef filling, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and melty cheese topping make it a hit.
You can make this dish your own by adding mushrooms or trying different cheeses. It’s also easy to prepare ahead of time or freeze. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
We hope you’ll try this stuffed shells with meat recipe and share your experience. Enjoy this easy dinner recipe that brings Italy’s flavors to your home.
FAQ
What are stuffed shells with meat?
Stuffed shells with meat is a beloved Italian dish. It has large pasta shells filled with a mix of ground meat, ricotta cheese, and spices. The shells are baked in a tasty tomato sauce, making it a comforting meal.
Why will I love this stuffed shells with meat recipe?
This recipe is loved for many reasons. It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for busy days. It’s also a hit with kids and families, thanks to its savory meat, creamy cheese, and flavorful sauce.
What ingredients are needed for the meat-filled shells?
You’ll need ground Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, basil, and spaghetti sauce. The sausage adds a meaty flavor, while the cheeses and herbs make the stuffing creamy and delicious.
How do I cook the pasta shells perfectly?
Cooking the pasta shells right is key. The author shares tips like using lots of water and salting it. Cook the shells until they’re almost done, then drain well to avoid excess water.
Should I use homemade or jarred sauce for the stuffed shells?
You can choose between homemade marinara sauce or jarred spaghetti sauce. Making your own sauce adds an authentic Italian taste, but jarred sauce is quicker. Both options work well in this recipe.
How do I ensure the cheese is melty and creamy?
Shredding cheese from a block is better than using pre-shredded. It melts more evenly, making the dish creamier and tastier.
Where can I find jumbo pasta shells for the recipe?
Finding jumbo pasta shells can be hard. Look for them at the grocery store or buy them in bulk on Amazon. They’re often easier to find there.
Can I make the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the stuffed shells ahead. You can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze for 3 months. The author gives tips for adjusting baking times for chilled or frozen shells.