Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: A Delicious and Hearty Italian Classic

Stuffed shells with meat offer a comforting, rich, and savory twist on traditional Italian cuisine. Combining tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy blend of cheeses, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty meal.

Below, we present the ultimate stuffed shells recipe with meat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this guide will walk you through every step to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually impressive.

Ingredients for Meat-Stuffed Shells

The first step in mastering stuffed shells is gathering the right ingredients. The combination of meat, cheese, pasta, and marinara sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta and Cheese Filling:

• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or sausage for variation)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

Additional Ingredients:

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe for Meat-Stuffed Shells

1. Cook the Jumbo Shells

Begin by preparing the pasta. Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions. Aim for them to be al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven later. Drain and set aside, making sure to prevent the shells from sticking together by lightly tossing them with olive oil.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling

While the pasta cooks, focus on the flavorful meat filling. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pan. Season the meat with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before combining it with the cheeses.

3. Create the Cheese and Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until fully combined. Once the ground beef mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

4. Stuff the Shells

Now, it’s time to stuff the pasta shells. Take each shell and fill it generously with the meat and cheese mixture using a spoon. The key is to stuff them well without overfilling so that the shells hold their shape during baking.

5. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

If you’re using store-bought marinara sauce, this step can be skipped. However, if you’d like to create a simple homemade version, here’s how:

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom. Carefully place the stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer. Once all the shells are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that each shell is covered.

7. Top with Cheese and Bake

For that irresistible cheesy crust, sprinkle the stuffed shells with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Meat-Stuffed Shells

1. Customize the Meat Filling

While ground beef is a classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other proteins like Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a combination of beef and pork for a richer taste. For a spicier version, try adding red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or using hot Italian sausage.

2. Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor

While dried herbs work well in this recipe, using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can take the dish to the next level. Fresh herbs add brightness and freshness to both the sauce and the filling.

3. Make it Ahead of Time

One of the great things about stuffed shells is that they can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the stuffed shells (before baking) for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. Pair with Perfect Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs well with lighter sides like a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These sides help balance the richness of the stuffed shells while completing the meal.

5. Double the Batch for Leftovers

Stuffed shells with meat taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. If you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers for busy nights, consider doubling the recipe and storing the extras in the fridge or freezer.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving (based on eight servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg

While this dish is indulgent, the blend of protein from the ground beef and cheese, along with carbohydrates from the pasta, makes it a satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells with meat combine the best of Italian flavors in one comforting, hearty dish. With tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving for Italian comfort food.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, the delicious taste and impressive presentation will leave everyone asking for seconds.

By following this detailed recipe and incorporating our expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this stuffed shells with meat recipe and making it a staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

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