Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells are the ultimate Italian comfort food—a hearty dish filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and savory meat sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a classic, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving something cheesy and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Shells combine rich flavors with a comforting, cheesy filling that everyone will love. The jumbo pasta shells hold a generous amount of cheese and are topped with a savory, meaty marinara sauce for a complete meal. This recipe is simple to make and a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more. It’s an easy way to bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

• 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage

• 1 jar marinara sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh basil, chopped

directions

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, add marinara sauce and simmer for about 5-10 minutes.

3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.

5. Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 500 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Swap the meat sauce for a hearty vegetable marinara sauce and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the cheese mixture.

• Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some hot Italian sausage into the cheese mixture.

• Extra cheese: For an even cheesier dish, mix some extra shredded mozzarella into the meat sauce or top the shells with a little more cheese before baking.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells for a gluten-free version of this dish.

• Herbs and spices: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh thyme to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just cover the dish with foil and bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze stuffed shells?

Yes, stuffed shells freeze well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb as a substitute for beef or sausage.

What if I don’t have jumbo shells?

You can use regular pasta shells or manicotti tubes as an alternative, though you may need to adjust the filling amounts.

How do I know when the stuffed shells are done baking?

The stuffed shells are done when the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. The dish should be golden on top and fully heated through.

Can I add other types of cheese?

Yes, you can add provolone, gouda, or any cheese you prefer for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these shells without meat?

Yes, just substitute the meat sauce with a marinara sauce or a vegetable-based sauce for a vegetarian version.

Can I prepare the cheese filling the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the shells.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce works wonderfully in this recipe. If you have a favorite sauce, feel free to use it instead of store-bought.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?

To prevent the pasta shells from sticking, make sure they’re well-coated in water while cooking, and toss them gently with a little olive oil after draining.

Conclusion

Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering cheesy, savory goodness in every bite. The combination of pasta, rich cheese, and savory meat sauce makes this dish a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Enjoy!

Stuffed Shells

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Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, topped with savory meat sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells

1/2 lb ground beef or sausage

1 jar marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
  Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• Cook the Meat Sauce:
  While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, add marinara sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

• Prepare the Cheese Filling:
  In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

• Stuff the Shells:
  Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.

• Assemble the Dish:
  Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired.

• Bake:
  Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Garnish and Serve:
  Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat sauce for a hearty vegetable marinara sauce and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the cheese mixture.

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle hot Italian sausage into the cheese mixture.

• Extra Cheese: Mix extra shredded mozzarella into the meat sauce or top with more cheese before baking.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells for a gluten-free version.

• Herb Boost: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh thyme to the cheese mixture.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian