Stuffed Shells with Meat

Cheesy Stuffed Shells with Meat are a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe showcases tender jumbo pasta shells filled to the brim with a savory ricotta mixture and ground beef, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. It’s an easy dinner that’s loaded with flavor and topped with melted cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The rich blend of ricotta cheese, spinach, and ground beef creates a filling that’s bursting with flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Dish: Customize the filling or sauce according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress guests with this cheesy pasta bake that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make these stuffed shells, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (13-inch)
• Mixing bowl
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and browning meat evenly.
• Baking dish: A spacious area to assemble your stuffed shells, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your filling ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 – 1 lb ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Filling

• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

For Assembly

• 1 box jumbo shells
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, for serving

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Meat

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Drain them once cooked and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Sauté the diced bell peppers until soft.
* Add the ground beef, cooking until browned.
* Stir in the marinara sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
* Let it simmer for a few minutes before setting aside.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl:
Combine ricotta cheese, spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt until well mixed.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with the ricotta mixture, packing them well.

Step 6: Assemble

Spread a few spoonfuls of meat sauce at the bottom of a 13-inch baking dish. Arrange all the stuffed shells in a single layer over this sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells.

Step 7: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Afterward:
Remove from oven; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Increase temperature to 375°F and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted. For a golden top, broil for a few minutes at the end.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish your delicious stuffed shells with fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat

Stuffed shells with meat are a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with homemade croutons and creamy dressing complements the richness of the shells.

Top with Extra Cheese

• Parmesan Dusting: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving enhances the cheesy flavor.
• Mozzarella Melt: Broil briefly after baking for an extra gooey cheese layer on top.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted French bread spread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add mozzarella and herbs for a delightful twist.

Accompany with Sauteed Vegetables

• Mixed Veggies: Sauté zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms in olive oil for a colorful side.
• Spinach and Garlic: Quick sautéed spinach with garlic brings additional nutrients and flavor.

How to Perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat

Creating the perfect stuffed shells requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh ground beef or chicken for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Layer Your Sauce Wisely: Spread sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
• Pack Filling Tightly: Ensure each shell is filled well; this keeps them from drying out during baking.
• Broil for Finish: Broil at the end of cooking for a crispy, golden cheese topping that adds texture.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells with Meat

Pair your stuffed shells with these delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic pairing that provides crunch and tanginess alongside the cheesy pasta.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a healthy green option that balances well.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella adds brightness to your meal.
5. Caprese Salad: Layered fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze enhance flavors beautifully.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli provides a nice color contrast on your plate.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses creates an inviting starter option.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet touch to balance the savory stuffed shells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Stuffed Shells with Meat, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to prevent them.

• Using the wrong pasta: Ensure you use jumbo shells for stuffing. Regular pasta won’t hold the filling properly.
• Overcooking the shells: Cook the shells al dente; they will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy shells and keeps them intact.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your meat mixture adequately. A lack of seasoning can lead to bland stuffed shells, so always taste as you go.
• Not packing the filling: Fill each shell generously. Underfilling can lead to uneven cooking and dryness in some areas.
• Ignoring cheese variety: Use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor. Sticking only to one type may not provide that rich, cheesy goodness you desire.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers or cover tightly with foil.

Freezing Stuffed Shells with Meat

• • Duration: Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.

Reheating Stuffed Shells with Meat

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or sauce to a pan, cover, and heat gently over low heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Stuffed Shells with Meat.

Can I use different types of meat for Stuffed Shells with Meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile while keeping it delicious.

How do I prevent my stuffed shells from falling apart?

To prevent breakage, make sure your shells are cooked al dente and handle them gently when filling.

Can I make Stuffed Shells with Meat ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What can I serve with Stuffed Shells with Meat?

Pair these shells with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Shells with Meat is a versatile dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe allows endless customization options, such as swapping out meats or adding different vegetables. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!

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Stuffed Shells with Meat

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the comforting delight of Stuffed Shells with Meat, a satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. These tender jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory blend of ricotta cheese, spinach, and ground beef, then lovingly enveloped in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also allows for customization based on your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as leftovers throughout the week, these cheesy stuffed shells are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 – 1 lb ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1 box jumbo shells
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced bell peppers until soft, add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and seasonings; simmer briefly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, and mozzarella until well mixed.
5. Stuff each shell generously with the filling.
6. Spread some meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, arrange stuffed shells in a single layer, and pour remaining sauce over them.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover, top with mozzarella, increase temperature to 375°F (190°C), and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (160g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg