Stuffed Shells with Meat combine the hearty flavors of seasoned meat and creamy cheeses encased in pasta shells, topped with a rich marinara sauce. This dish is a staple in Italian-American cuisine, beloved for its comforting and filling nature.
Ingredients
The key to a perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe lies in the quality of its ingredients:
- Meat: Ground beef, pork, or a mix
- Pasta: Jumbo pasta shells
- Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan
- Sauce: Homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
- Seasonings: Garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
For tips on selecting and preparing the perfect marinara sauce, check out our guide on how to make the perfect marinara sauce.
How to make stuffed shells with meat
Preparation of Meat Filling
- Cook the Meat:
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Mix in garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Combine with Cheese:
- In a bowl, combine the cooked meat with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and some Parmesan.
- Stir until well mixed.
Preparing the Pasta Shells
- Cook the Shells:
- Boil the shells until al dente according to the package instructions—usually about 9 minutes.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
For more pasta recipes that are perfect for family dinners, see our collection of family-friendly pasta dishes.
Assembling the Shells
- Stuff the Shells:
- Spoon the meat and cheese mixture into each pasta shell.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish over a layer of marinara sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour additional marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and some Parmesan.
Cooking and Baking
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Serving and Presentation
- Serve Hot:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
- Side Dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Explore more side dish ideas that pair perfectly with pasta.
Nutritional Information
Each serving is rich in protein and calcium but can be high in calories. Consider using part-skim cheeses and lean meat for a lighter version.
Recipe Variations of Stuffed shells with meat
- Vegetarian Option:
- Substitute the meat with a mix of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta.
FAQs about Stuffed shells with meat
- Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- How do I prevent the shells from tearing? Handle them carefully and do not overcook.
Stuffed shells with meat
Enjoy this classic Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe, filled with a savory blend of cheeses and meat, topped with marinara sauce. Perfect comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork or a mix
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil the shells until al dente, about 9 minutes; drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground meat with garlic, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Mix Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
- Combine Meat with Cheese: Add the cooked meat to the cheese mixture and mix well.
- Stuff Shells: Spoon the meat and cheese mixture into each shell and place in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Cover shells with marinara sauce and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
