Stuffed Shells with Meat: A Hearty and Comforting Italian Dish

 

Stuffed shells with meat is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat, ricotta cheese, and herbs. Baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures. It’s an ideal meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious and hearty dish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make stuffed shells with meat, provide tips for the best results, and suggest some tasty variations to try.

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Meat

To make delicious stuffed shells with meat, you will need the following ingredients:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: 20-24 jumbo pasta shells. These large shells are perfect for stuffing with the meat mixture.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: 1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both. This forms the base of the filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Adds creaminess to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided. For adding to the filling and topping the shells.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the filling.
• Egg: 1 large egg. Helps bind the filling together.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Adds aromatic flavor to the meat.
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped. Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups of marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade. Provides a rich base for baking the shells.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Adds a blend of herbs to the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. For seasoning the meat and filling.

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and satisfying stuffed shell dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the 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 al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Meat Filling:

3. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
Using a spoon or your hands, fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is covered with sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.

7. Bake the Stuffed Shells:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious stuffed shells with meat!

These steps guide you through making a hearty and comforting dish that’s sure to please any crowd.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat

To ensure your stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Cook the Shells Al Dente: Cooking the pasta shells until al dente helps them hold their shape better when stuffing and baking. This also prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy after baking.
• Drain the Meat Well: After cooking the meat, be sure to drain any excess fat to prevent the filling from becoming greasy.
• Use Fresh Ricotta: Fresh ricotta cheese has a creamier texture and better flavor than pre-packaged varieties, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Season Generously: Make sure to season the meat filling well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Cover While Baking: Covering the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking helps prevent the shells from drying out. Removing the foil for the last few minutes allows the cheese to melt and brown nicely.

Following these tips will help you create perfectly baked stuffed shells with meat every time.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

Stuffed shells with meat are versatile and can be customized with a variety of add-ins and variations. Here are some ideas to try:

• Spinach and Meat Stuffed Shells: Add 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach or thawed, drained frozen spinach to the meat filling for a boost of color and nutrition.
• Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells: Mix in additional cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Spicy Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular sausage or ground beef for a kick of heat.
• Vegetable and Meat Stuffed Shells: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat filling for added texture and flavor.
• Pesto Stuffed Shells: Mix a few tablespoons of basil pesto into the meat filling for a fresh and herby twist on the classic dish.

These variations allow you to customize your stuffed shells to suit your taste and create a delicious and unique meal.

Nutritional Information

Stuffed shells with meat are a hearty and satisfying dish that can be part of a balanced meal. Here’s a general breakdown based on one serving (about 4 stuffed shells):

Per Serving (Based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 30g

Balancing Indulgence:

Stuffed shells with meat are a delicious comfort food, but they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Pair them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shells with meat are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With a Side Salad: Serve stuffed shells with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast.
• With Garlic Bread: Pair the dish with garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve stuffed shells with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
• With Soup: Pair the dish with a bowl of minestrone soup or tomato basil soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• As a Party Dish: Stuffed shells with meat make a great dish for potlucks and parties. Serve them in a large baking dish with plenty of extra sauce on the side.

These serving suggestions will help you enjoy stuffed shells with meat in a variety of ways, whether you’re having them for a family dinner or a special occasion.

FAQs

Can I make stuffed shells with meat ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells with meat ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an additional 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze stuffed shells with meat?

Yes, stuffed shells with meat freeze well. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How do I store leftover stuffed shells with meat?

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even goat cheese in the filling. Adjust the amount to your taste and the desired texture.

Are stuffed shells with meat spicy?

Stuffed shells with meat are not typically spicy unless you add spicy ingredients like hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells with meat are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory meat filling, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce, these shells are a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can create delicious stuffed shells with meat that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and add-ins to make this recipe your own, and savor the delicious flavors of this classic Italian-American dish!