Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

This Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all packed inside jumbo pasta shells and smothered with marinara sauce. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it’s an Italian-inspired comfort food that’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it with a simple salad or garlic bread, this dish is a sure winner. Let’s get started!

this Recipe

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What Are "Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese"?

Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese are jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The shells are then placed in a baking dish, topped with marinara sauce and more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. This classic Italian-American dish is rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

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Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting dish of Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese:

1. Jumbo Pasta Shells (1 box, 12 oz) – Large pasta shells for stuffing.
2. Ground Beef (1 lb) – Provides a hearty filling for the shells.
3. Onion (1 medium, finely diced) – Adds sweetness and flavor.
4. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – For extra depth of flavor.
5. Ricotta Cheese (15 oz) – The creamy base for the filling.
6. Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – For the filling and topping.
7. Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
8. Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the filling.
9. Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – For flavor in the filling.
10. Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
11. Marinara Sauce (3 cups) – Store-bought or homemade.
12. Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish, optional) – Adds freshness and color.

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Substitutions and Variations for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it based on your preferences:

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken – Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Spinach – Add sautéed spinach or kale to the ricotta filling for extra nutrition.
3. Vegetarian Version – Skip the meat and make a cheesy vegetarian version by adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ricotta filling.
4. Different Cheeses – Use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for a cheesy twist.
5. Sausage – Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for more robust, savory flavors.
6. Alfredo Sauce – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce to create a creamy, indulgent dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese step by step:

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm but cooked through), about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain the shells, then rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
• Once the ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the ricotta mixture and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat and cheese filling, then place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!

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How to Cook Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Shells – Boil the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef – Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then season.
3. Make the Filling – Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and beef together for the filling.
4. Assemble the Shells – Stuff the shells with the filling and arrange them in a sauced baking dish.
5. Bake – Cover with foil, bake for 20-25 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden and bubbly.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese:

1. Overcooking the Pasta – Cook the pasta just until al dente. The shells will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking them during the boiling process.
2. Overstuffing the Shells – Be careful not to overfill the shells; about 2-3 tablespoons of filling is enough to keep them from bursting.
3. Skipping the Rinse Step – After boiling the shells, rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together and to make them easier to handle when stuffing.
4. Not Covering with Foil – Covering the dish with foil helps to keep the moisture in and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting your Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs – A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh, colorful touch.
2. Serve with Garlic Bread – A side of warm garlic bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
3. Pair with a Salad – Serve the stuffed shells alongside a simple green salad or Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
4. Top with Extra Cheese – For extra cheesiness, top the finished dish with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to round out the meal:

• As a Main Dish – Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a full meal.
• For Meal Prep – Make the shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for a quick dinner.
• For Entertaining – Prepare the dish ahead of time, then bake it right before guests arrive for a stress-free meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

Here are some creative ways to make your Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese look even more inviting:

1. Serve in Individual Portions – Use small, individual baking dishes to serve personal portions of stuffed shells for a restaurant-style presentation.
2. Garnish with Fresh Basil – Fresh basil leaves or parsley sprigs can be placed on top for a pop of color.
3. Serve Family-Style – Place the baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves for a casual, family-style meal.

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Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you perfect your Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese:

1. Make It Ahead – You can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking straight from the fridge.
2. Freeze for Later – Assemble the stuffed shells and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. Add More Flavor – For extra flavor, mix some chopped fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the ricotta filling.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead

of ricotta?**
A: Yes! Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta if you prefer a lighter filling.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, refrigerate them, and then bake them just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
A: Yes, stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What other sauces can I use?
A: While marinara is classic, you can also use a creamy Alfredo sauce, a pesto sauce, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a different flavor.

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Conclusion

This Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that's packed with flavor. The combination of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella inside tender pasta shells is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these stuffed shells are sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty, cheesy, and delicious. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen!

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