Stuffed shells with meat is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish consists of jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of ground meat, cheese, and herbs, and then baked in a tomato sauce.
It's a flavorful and comforting meal that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. So let's get started and learn how to make stuffed shells with meat!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out because it combines a variety of flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly. The soft pasta shells hold their shape well when filled, creating a perfect vessel for the flavorful meat and cheese mixture. The combination of ground meat and seasonings adds a savory depth to the dish, while the creamy cheese filling brings a rich, satisfying element. With each bite, you'll experience the perfect balance of these components, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the meat mixture and cheese filling to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like plant-based crumbles. You can also adjust the seasonings to create new flavor profiles, or add your favorite vegetables for extra texture and nutrition. This dish is a great way to use up leftovers or get creative with new ingredients, making it a valuable addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Jumbo pasta shells - large shells perfect for stuffing, can substitute with manicotti tubes or cannelloni
Ground meat - we suggest beef, but you can use turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian substitute like lentils or plant-based ground meat
Ricotta cheese - creamy and mild, can substitute with cottage cheese or tofu for a dairy-free option
Mozzarella cheese - for gooey, melty goodness, can substitute with a dairy-free alternative
Marinara sauce - the base for the dish, can use store-bought or homemade
Tips
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent overcooking when baking.
- Use a piping bag or a ziplock with the corner cut off to fill shells easily.
- Customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking for a quick meal in the future.
- Use a deep baking dish to hold the shells snugly and ensure even cooking.
How to Serve
Stuffed shells with meat are best served warm and can be accompanied by a variety of sides. This dish is both satisfying and visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Offer steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus for a nutrient-rich side dish.
Similar Recipes
Stuffed Shells with Meat
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground meat beef, turkey, chicken, or vegetarian substitute
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine cooked meat, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a deep baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, then place in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent overcooking when baking.
- Use a piping bag or a ziplock with the corner cut off to fill shells easily.
- Customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking for a quick meal in the future.
- Use a deep baking dish to hold the shells snugly and ensure even cooking.