Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious? This Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds! Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping, this recipe combines tender pasta shells, flavorful meat, and creamy cheese, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. If you're ready to learn how to make this comforting dish, keep reading for step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and all the pro tricks to create the perfect stuffed shells!

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What Are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that involves large pasta shells (commonly known as conchiglioni) filled with a savory mixture of cheese, meat, and sometimes vegetables, then baked in a tomato-based sauce. This dish is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special family dinners. The best part? It's highly customizable! You can use different types of meat, cheeses, and sauces depending on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells With Meat and Cheese

Pasta

• Jumbo pasta shells (conchiglioni): 20-25 shells, depending on the size of your baking dish. These are the large shells that will hold the filling.

Meat Filling

• Ground beef or Italian sausage: 1 pound. Choose high-quality ground beef or sausage for a flavorful filling.
• Onion: 1 small, finely diced.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Adds depth to the meat mixture.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.

Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups. This soft, creamy cheese forms the base of the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded, divided (you'll use half in the filling and the other half for topping).
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grated. Adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
• Egg: 1 large. Acts as a binder for the cheese filling.
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped. Adds freshness and color.

Sauce and Toppings

• Marinara sauce: 3 cups. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. For seasoning the meat and cheese mixtures.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to change things up or accommodate dietary needs, here are a few suggestions:

• Meat options: Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu can replace the beef or sausage.
• Cheese alternatives: For a creamier filling, mix in some cottage cheese with the ricotta. If you're dairy-free, you can use vegan ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load up the filling with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
• Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free pasta shells if you're avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bring this recipe to life? Follow these easy steps to make Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese from scratch:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat and set the meat mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat mixture has cooled slightly, fold it into the cheese mixture.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Take each cooked shell and carefully stuff it with the meat and cheese mixture, using about 2 tablespoons of filling per shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer, open side up.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that all the shells are covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is key! If the pasta is too soft, it may fall apart when you try to stuff it.
2. Overfilling the shells: Resist the urge to overstuff each shell. Too much filling can cause them to break apart.
3. Skipping the cooling step: Let the meat mixture cool slightly before mixing it with the cheese. Adding hot meat can cause the cheese to melt prematurely.
4. Dry stuffed shells: Be sure to use enough sauce, both under and over the shells. This ensures they remain moist during baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here's how to make your meal even more special:

How to Serve Stuffed Shells

• Family-style: Serve the dish directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual portions: For a more formal presentation, plate 3-4 stuffed shells per person with an extra spoonful of sauce on top.
• Pair with sides: Serve with a simple green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells

• Garnish with herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Cheese lovers: Grate extra Parmesan over the top just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
• Brighten with lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish and balance the richness of the cheese and meat.

Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions.
• Freezer-friendly: Stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.
• Use high-quality marinara: Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, a rich, flavorful marinara sauce will take this dish to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?
A: Absolutely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are the traditional cheeses, you can mix in other favorites like provolone or even cream cheese for a richer filling.

Q: Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Yes! Stuffed shells can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen for several months. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Q: Can I skip the meat for a vegetarian version?
A: Definitely! Simply omit the meat and increase the amount of ricotta and vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests. With tender pasta, a flavorful meat and cheese filling, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you stick with the classic version or put your own twist on it, this recipe is versatile, forgiving, and oh-so-delicious. Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty garlic bread and a side salad to complete the meal. Happy cooking!

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