When it comes to comforting Italian-American dishes, Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese is a fan favorite. This baked pasta dish combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory blend of ground meat and creamy cheeses, all covered in a rich marinara sauce and baked to perfection. Whether youโre preparing dinner for a family gathering or just craving some hearty comfort food, this recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction youโre looking for. Follow this guide to make the best stuffed shells with meat and cheese, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving ideas!

What Are Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese?
Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese is a baked pasta dish where jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat (typically beef or sausage) and cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The shells are then nestled in marinara sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. Itโs a dish thatโs rich, cheesy, and full of flavorโperfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
Hereโs what youโll need to create these delicious stuffed shells:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 ยฝ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ยฝ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Shells:
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ยผ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Substitutions and Variations
Want to put your own spin on stuffed shells with meat and cheese? Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit your preferences:
- Ground meat options: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Cheese alternatives: If you donโt have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground meat with sautรฉed spinach, mushrooms, or a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Sauce options: Instead of marinara, try using a homemade tomato sauce or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer, indulgent dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to make these delicious stuffed shells? Follow these easy steps for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Cook Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Boil the 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 to the bite). This usually takes about 9-10 minutes.
- Drain and cool: Drain the shells and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool. Drizzle a little olive oil over them to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling
- Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onions and garlic: Stir in the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Season and cool: Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
- Mix the cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley. Stir until well blended.
- Add the meat: Once the meat mixture has cooled a bit, add it to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Layer the sauce: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Stuff the shells: Take each cooked shell and fill it with a generous spoonful of the meat and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up, on top of the marinara sauce.
- Add more sauce: Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ยผ cup of Parmesan over the stuffed shells.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the stuffed shells are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve warm and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta shells: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente. Overcooking can cause the shells to break apart or become mushy during baking.
- Not draining the meat properly: If thereโs too much fat left in the ground beef, it can make the filling greasy and heavy. Be sure to drain the fat thoroughly after cooking.
- Filling the shells while too hot: If the shells or filling are too hot, it can be difficult to handle and may cause the shells to tear. Let them cool slightly before assembling.
- Not enough sauce: Donโt skimp on the marinara! A generous amount of sauce will keep the dish moist and flavorful.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Stuffed shells with meat and cheese is a hearty dish, but you can elevate the presentation and serving style with a few simple touches.
How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
- Family-style: Serve the stuffed shells directly from the baking dish at the table. Let everyone scoop their own portion and top with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes.
- With sides: Pair the stuffed shells with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
- Individual servings: Plate 3-4 shells per person, drizzle with extra marinara sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
- Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use a colorful dish: Baking the shells in a brightly colored casserole dish adds to the visual appeal.
- Add cheese at the table: Bring a small bowl of freshly grated Parmesan to the table for guests to sprinkle over their shells.
Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. When youโre ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the shells are fully heated through.
- Freeze for later: Stuffed shells freeze well! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked shells in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Add veggies: For a healthier twist, add finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrients without compromising flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cottage cheese, Asiago, or even Gouda for a unique twist.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Assemble the stuffed shells and cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They will keep for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How many shells should I serve per person?
Typically, 3-4 stuffed shells per person is a good portion, depending on the size of the shells and any side dishes you may serve.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works well for this recipe. For added flavor, try mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or Italian herbs to enhance the sauce.
Conclusion
Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese is a perfect comfort food that combines the best of pasta, cheese, and hearty meat sauce into one delicious dish. Whether youโre making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, youโll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time.
PrintStuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe
This stuffed shells with meat and cheese recipe is a comforting Italian dish perfect for family dinners. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mix of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked in marinara sauce. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ยฝ cup diced onions
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and half of the cooked ground beef.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the meat and cheese mixture, then place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
- Make this dish ahead and freeze for a convenient weeknight dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 shells
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
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