Sitting down to a warm, hearty meal feels like a trip back to family gatherings. Imagine the smell of melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and seasoned meat filling your home. Our easy stuffed shells recipe with meat is a delicious reminder of home, bringing smiles to your dinner table.
This recipe, shared by Lisa Longley on 05/27/24, is a hit with families. It’s perfect for busy times because it can be made ahead and even frozen. You’ll need just 35 jumbo shells for a meal that’s full of flavor and texture.
The creamy ricotta cheese, seasoned ground Italian sausage, and homemade spaghetti sauce all add to the joy of this recipe. So, get ready to make a meal that not only fills your belly but also your heart.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a classic in Italian-American cuisine. They combine flavors and textures that many love. The pasta shells are filled with meat, cheese, and spices, then baked in tomato sauce.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings. It can be made with different meats or for vegetarians. So, it suits many tastes.
The best recipe for stuffed shells starts with al dente pasta shells. The barilla stuffed shells with meat recipe is known for its flavors and ease. The filling includes ground beef, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, mixed with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
This dish is versatile for different diets. You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef. Adding vegetables gives it a unique twist.
It’s great for meal prep too. You can make the sauce and brown the beef ahead of time. Assembling the casserole in advance makes dinner easier.
For a family dinner, about five shells are enough for an adult. This recipe ensures everyone gets enough to eat.
Leftovers can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer. This makes the recipe a treat that can be enjoyed again. Simply bake or microwave to reheat.
Stuffed shells are also nutritious. They combine lean ground beef with full-fat ricotta for a balanced meal. We offer meal plans with similar dishes to keep your prep organized and varied.
Whether you use the barilla recipe or your own version, stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your table. They create memorable meals and happy moments with family and friends.
| Recipe Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Equipment Needed | Large pot, baking dish |
| Servings | 4 |
| Leftover Estimate | 5-6 shells leftover |
| Storage | 3-4 days in refrigerator, up to 3 months in freezer |
Ingredients You’ll Need for Stuffed Shells
To make a delicious meal, collect these key ingredients for stuffed shells with meat. This list ensures a tasty and fulfilling dish. It will become a favorite in your home. The easy recipe for stuffed shells with meat uses simple yet rich elements. It creates the perfect mix of taste and comfort.
Key Ingredients
These ingredients are crucial for a tasty stuffed shells dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Pasta Shells | 12 oz. box (about 45 shells) |
| Ground Beef (80% lean) | 1/2 lb. (can use up to 1 lb.) |
| Whole Milk Ricotta | 15 oz. |
| Italian Cheese Blend | 1-1/2 cups |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup grated |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup shredded |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Marinara Sauce | 24 oz. |
| Onion | 1 medium (chopped) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) |
| Fresh Parsley | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, with ground beef, offers rich flavors. Fresh parsley, garlic, and onion add depth and aroma. The secret to this easy recipe for stuffed shells with meat is a well-seasoned tomato sauce like marinara. It beautifully connects all the flavors.
How to Cook Pasta Shells Perfectly
Learning to cook pasta shells right is key for great stuffed shells with meat sauce. You want them to be al dente, which means they’re still a bit firm. This helps them hold the filling well. Here are some tips to make sure your pasta shells are always perfect.
Boiling Tips
Start by picking a big pot for even cooking. Use four to six quarts of water for every pound of pasta. Add about one to two tablespoons of salt to make the shells taste better.
Get the water boiling before adding the pasta. Stir it gently to stop the shells from sticking. Cooking them for 8 to 10 minutes will get them just right. But, cook them a bit less, about 7 to 8 minutes, so they don’t get too soft in the oven.
Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them from sticking. Lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent clumping while you make the filling.
Making the Meat Filling
To make a tasty meat filling for stuffed shells, you need fresh ingredients. Start with 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground Italian sausage. These will give your filling a rich flavor.
Brown the meats in a skillet over medium heat until they’re fully cooked. Make sure to break them into small pieces. This helps them spread evenly in the pasta shells.
Move the cooked meat to a big mixing bowl. Add a 15 oz jar of ricotta cheese for creaminess. Mix in 1 egg to keep everything together. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Finally, add 4-5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese makes the filling taste great and gets all melty. Also, mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
For a visual guide on how to make meat filling, refer to the image below:
The table below shows the main ingredients and how much you need for the meat filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| Ground Italian Sausage | 1/2 pound |
| Ricotta Cheese | 15 oz jar |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic Salt | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| Shredded Mozzarella | 4-5 cups |
By following these steps, you’ve learned how to make a delicious meat filling. It will make your stuffed shells a hit at any meal.
Assembling the Stuffed Shells
Assembling stuffed shells is easier when you’re prepared. Start by cooking your jumbo pasta shells until they’re slightly firm. This helps them keep their shape when stuffed.
Begin by spreading 3/4 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. This layer of sauce adds flavor and prevents the shells from sticking.
Layering Techniques
Then, fill each cooked shell with about 1½ tablespoons of a mix of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and seasonings. Place the filled shells seam-side up in the dish.
After filling all the shells, cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. This keeps the pasta moist and adds flavor.
Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. These cheeses make the dish richer and create a golden crust when baked.
You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells for up to three months. Or, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for four to five days. This makes stuffed shells a great option for meal prep.
Baking Instructions for Stuffed Shells
Learning how to bake stuffed shells right is key to a tasty meal. The right baking method keeps the pasta soft and the cheese melted. It doesn’t matter if you use ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage. Knowing the baking times is essential for great results.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
First, heat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is perfect for cooking the shells without drying them out. Start by covering the dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the shells moist and the filling together.
Put the covered dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Baking | 375°F | 25-30 minutes |
| Uncovered Baking | 375°F | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | – | 30-40 minutes |
By following these steps, you’ll get a dish that looks and tastes great. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Mastering stuffed shell baking will impress your family and friends.
Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: Step-by-Step Guide
Following a step-by-step stuffed shells recipe is key to a delicious dish. This guide ensures each part, from pasta to sauce, is done right.
Start by boiling 20-24 jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they’re al dente. This takes about 8-10 minutes. After draining, let the pasta cool down.
In a skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef until it’s browned. Add 32 ounces of pasta sauce, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This sauce will go at the bottom and on top of the shells.
Now, make the stuffing. Mix 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Fill each pasta shell with this cheese mix.
| Recipe Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Serving Size | 6 servings |
| Storage | Up to 5 days in fridge, 3 months frozen |
After filling all the shells, put a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the meat sauce over them. Add more mozzarella cheese for a golden finish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden.
This structured guide helps you make a dish that looks great and tastes amazing. Enjoy your meal!
Tips for a Successful Stuffed Shells Recipe
Mastering stuffed shells needs to focus on pasta and cheese. Follow these expert tips to improve your dish.
Pasta Tips
For perfect stuffed shells, pasta cooking is key. Choose jumbo shells and boil them in a large pot. This helps avoid sticking and breaking.
It’s important to slightly undercook the shells. They will cook more when baked. Adding a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the water helps prevent sticking.
Cheese Tips
Choosing the right cheese is crucial for stuffed shells. Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, as the recipe suggests. Freshly grated cheese is better than pre-shredded for even melting and flavor.
Using 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella is perfect for topping. Ricotta and Parmesan in the filling add depth. Fresh parsley also boosts the dish’s look and taste.
Variations of Stuffed Shells with Meat
Stuffed shells are a versatile dish that can be customized for different tastes. Traditional recipes often use ground beef, but you can try other meats for a twist. For a vegetarian option, there are tasty substitutions that everyone will enjoy.
Alternative Meats
Using different meats can add new flavors and textures to stuffed shells. Ground turkey is a leaner option that still tastes rich and pairs well with ricotta cheese. Ground chicken is another choice that’s lighter but still savory.
For a bolder flavor, try Italian sausage. Its spices can make the dish even more delicious. These alternatives not only meet dietary needs but also let you get creative in the kitchen.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, using vegetables is a great idea. Spinach and mushrooms are popular for their flavor and nutrition. Fresh spinach with ricotta and Parmesan cheese makes a creamy filling.
Sautéed mushrooms add a meaty texture and savory taste. They blend well with the cheeses. These vegetables make the dish not just vegetarian but also nutritious and flavorful.
Whether you choose alternative meats or a vegetarian version, stuffed shells are always a hit. These options let you tailor the recipe to any occasion and meet different dietary needs.