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–+ servings
Stuffed Shells with Meat

Savory Stuffed Shells with Meat: Family Comfort in Every Bite

A hearty and customizable dish bringing Italian-American comfort food to your table, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 20-24 shells jumbo pasta shells Use large shells designated for filling.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Can swap with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Can replace with cottage cheese.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Can use provolone for a unique twist.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Romano cheese can be a substitute.
  • 1 large egg Flaxseed meal can be a vegan alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs Can swap for fresh herbs.
  • salt and pepper Season to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Use store-bought or homemade.
For Garnish
  • fresh parsley Optional for presentation.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • baking dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 20-24 jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water.
  2. Brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 7-10 minutes. Drain fat and let cool.
  3. Combine the cooked meat, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 large egg in a mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
  5. Stuff each cooled jumbo shell with the meat and cheese filling and place in the baking dish opening side up.
  6. Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are moistened with sauce.
  7. Sprinkle additional cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed shells.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 24gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Fresh ingredients matter; avoid overcooking pasta to keep shells from becoming mushy. Rest before serving to enhance flavors.

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