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+ servings
Stuffed Shells with Meat

Comforting Stuffed Shells with Meat: A Family Favorite Recipe

A delectable dish combining gooey cheese and a hearty meat mix in stuffed pasta shells, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffed Shells
  • 20-24 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Can swap with provolone
  • 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese Can try Pecorino Romano
  • 1 large Egg For vegan option, replace with a flax egg
For the Sauce & Seasoning
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Can consider Alfredo for variation
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Italian Herbs Use fresh herbs for better flavor
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh Parsley Optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Brown ground beef or sausage for 5–7 minutes. Drain fat and let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked meat with ricotta, half of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until blended.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Fill each cooled shell with meat mixture, arranging them in a baking dish.
  6. Pour marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring each shell is covered.
  7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the shells.
  8. Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These stuffed shells are meal prep-friendly and can be customized with various fillings, cheeses, or sauces to suit your taste.

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