These Stuffed Shells with Meat are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Filled with a rich mixture of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, then topped with gooey mozzarella and baked in marinara sauce, these shells are perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavorful Filling: The blend of ricotta, spinach, and spices creates a creamy, delicious filling that pairs perfectly with the meat sauce.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness and rich flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or proteins based on your preference!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish (13-inch)
- Large bowl
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and browning the meat evenly.
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking while holding all the delicious stuffed shells together.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3/4 – 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheese Filling
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
For Assembling
- 1 box jumbo shells
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for serving
How to Make Stuffed Shells with Meat
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking your stuffed shells.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat:
– Heat the olive oil.
– Sauté the diced bell peppers until soft.
– Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
– Stir in marinara sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
– Simmer for a few minutes before setting aside.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a large bowl:
– Mix together ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
Step 5: Stuff the Shells
Fill each cooked jumbo shell generously with the ricotta mixture. Ensure they are well-packed.
Step 6: Assemble
In a 13-inch baking dish:
– Spread some meat sauce on the bottom.
– Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
– Pour remaining meat sauce over the top evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Remove foil; sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Increase temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly. Broil briefly if desired for a golden finish.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm for maximum flavor!
How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat
Serving stuffed shells with meat can elevate your meal experience. These flavorful pasta shells are perfect for family dinners or gatherings and can be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes.
Fresh Salad
- A light garden salad adds a refreshing crunch. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread
- Serve warm garlic bread alongside stuffed shells for a classic pairing. The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the overall meal.
Grated Parmesan
- Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table. This will allow guests to add their preferred amount for extra flavor.
Crusty Bread
- A loaf of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce. Choose a French baguette or Italian loaf for best results.
Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate. Try zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing with fresh parsley or basil not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
How to Perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat
To achieve the best stuffed shells with meat, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh produce and high-quality cheeses makes a significant difference in taste.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your jumbo shells are cooked just right. They should be firm enough to hold the filling without breaking.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allow your meat sauce to simmer before stuffing. This deepens flavors and creates a more cohesive dish.
- Pack Filling Tightly: Fill each shell generously but carefully. A well-packed shell maintains its shape during baking.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the dish initially helps retain moisture, preventing dryness while cooking.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a perfectly golden top, finish by broiling briefly at the end of baking.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells with Meat
Pairing side dishes with stuffed shells can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and creamy dressing that pairs well with stuffed shells.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that’s easy to prepare.
- Italian Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned roasted potatoes bring heartiness to the meal; use olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for flavor.
- Zucchini Noodles – For a lighter option, spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil make an excellent low-carb side.
- Minestrone Soup – A warm bowl of minestrone soup complements stuffed shells while providing warmth on chilly evenings.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus spears add elegance and balance out the richness of the stuffed pasta.
- Antipasto Platter – An antipasto platter filled with olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables offers variety and excitement to your dinner spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Stuffed Shells with Meat, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the jumbo shells too long can make them mushy. Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season the meat sauce and ricotta mixture can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Skipping the Simmer: Rushing through the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing. Allow the meat sauce to simmer for at least a few minutes to enhance its taste.
- Underfilling the Shells: Not packing enough filling into each shell can result in a less satisfying bite. Ensure each shell is well-filled for optimal flavor and texture.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Opting for cheap cheese can diminish the overall taste. Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Stuffed Shells with Meat
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Stuffed Shells with Meat
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual shells on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a pan and heat covered on low until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Stuffed Shells with Meat.
Can I use different types of meat in Stuffed Shells with Meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or lamb instead of beef or sausage, depending on your preference.
How do I prevent my stuffed shells from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, lightly oil the cooked shells before stuffing or place them on a greased baking sheet until ready to fill.
Can I prepare Stuffed Shells with Meat ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the filling or use different types of cheese for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Shells with Meat is a delightful dish that combines cheesy goodness with hearty flavors. It’s perfect for family dinners and offers versatility—try customizing it by adding various vegetables or swapping out meats according to your taste. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Stuffed Shells with Meat
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Stuffed Shells with Meat, a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, and seasoned ground beef. Topped with gooey mozzarella and baked in a rich marinara sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3/4 – 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced bell peppers until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; simmer briefly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in a baking dish over some meat sauce.
- Pour remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese. Increase temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (150g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of ground meat. For added flavor, consider simmering the meat sauce longer or incorporating herbs like basil or oregano.
