Print

Stuffed Shells with Meat

Stuffed shells with meat are a comforting classic that unites family and friends at the dinner table. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked in rich marinara sauce. Each bite evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals, making this dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot for the pasta.
  2. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage and drain excess fat. Stir in ricotta, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley until combined.
  4. Stuff each shell with the meat mixture.
  5. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and arrange stuffed shells in it. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For added flavor, substitute ground beef with turkey or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling. - Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.