Delicious Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: The Ultimate Italian Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey embrace of a freshly baked pan of Italian-American stuffed shells. The tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta cheese make it both comforting and indulgent. As you take your first bite, the flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted mozzarella dance across your palate.

Key Takeaways

• This recipe yields approximately 8 servings of delicious stuffed shells with meat.
• The dish features 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef, 2 cans of tomato sauce, and a variety of Italian cheeses.
• Preparation and cooking time is around 1 hour, with the finished product containing 578 calories per serving.
• The stuffed shells can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months for easy reheating.
• Customization options include using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage in place of the beef.

Introduction to Meat Stuffed Shells

Meat stuffed shells are a favorite Italian-American dish. They mix the rich tastes of Italian food with the cozy feel of American cooking. This recipe is a true treat, with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and fragrant herbs and spices.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This meat stuffed shells recipe stands out because of its focus on quality. The filling is a mix of ricotta cheese, mozzarella/provolone, Parmesan, basil, oregano, and garlic. It’s all seasoned to perfection, making every bite a flavor explosion.

History of Italian-American Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells come from traditional Italian cooking. They were filled with cheeses, veggies, and sometimes meat. Italian immigrants brought this dish to the U.S., where it evolved with ground beef, becoming the Italian-American favorite we love today.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a hit for many reasons. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy nights or family meals. You can also make it ahead and freeze it, so you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime. Its comforting flavors and textures are loved by all, making it a family favorite.

“Stuffed shells are the ultimate Italian-American comfort food, combining the richness of cheese and meat in a pasta shell that’s impossible to resist.” – Chef Giada De Laurentiis

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Shells

To make the ultimate stuffed shells, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll need 35 jumbo pasta shells, 1 pound of ground beef (80% lean), and 15 ounces of ricotta cheese. Also, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, eggs, a 28-ounce can of marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning are required.

Choosing high-quality ingredients, especially cheese and sauce, makes a big difference. Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella instead of pre-shredded types. This helps avoid additives that can mess with the melting.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: The recipe calls for 35 large, jumbo pasta shells, which provide the perfect vessel for the flavorful meat and cheese filling.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef, preferably 80% lean, adds a savory and satisfying element to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces of creamy ricotta cheese serve as the base for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are used, both in the filling and for topping the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful nutty flavor to the filling.
• Eggs: 2 eggs help bind the filling ingredients together.
• Marinara Sauce: A 28-ounce can of marinara sauce provides the perfect accompaniment to the stuffed shells.
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

By carefully selecting and combining these ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic stuffed shells dish. It will delight your taste buds and satisfy your craving for comfort food.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make the perfect stuffed shells, you’ll need some key tools and bakeware. First, a large pot is needed for boiling the jumbo pasta shells. A colander is also essential for draining the cooked shells.

A mixing bowl is handy for mixing the cheese filling ingredients. And, a 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for assembling and baking your stuffed shells.

Essential Tools

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining cooked pasta
• Mixing bowl for filling preparation
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cheese grater (for freshly grating cheese)

Optional Equipment

A food processor can be useful, but it’s not necessary. It helps mix the cheese filling quickly and evenly. This makes the stuffing smooth and well-blended.

Baking Dish Recommendations

A glass or ceramic 9×13 inch pan is ideal for baking. But, you can also use a disposable aluminum pan if you plan to freeze the shells later.

Choose a baking dish that’s big enough for the jumbo pasta shells in one layer. This ensures even baking and prevents the shells from sticking together.

Preparing the Meat and Sauce Base

To make the perfect stuffed shells, start with a tasty meat and sauce base. This base adds flavor and makes your dish special. Let’s look at how to prepare it.

First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground ground beef recipes. Break it up as it cooks, so it browns evenly, about 6-8 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain any extra fat from the pan.

Next, add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them until they smell good and the onions are clear, about 3-5 minutes. This step makes your homemade marinara sauce taste even better.

1. After the beef and veggies are done, add the sauce. Pour in a 26-ounce jar of top-notch homemade marinara sauce or your own homemade marinara sauce.
2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and your favorite seasonings. Use Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well and makes a rich base for your stuffed shells.

“This meat and sauce base is the secret to making the most delicious stuffed shells you’ve ever tasted!”

By spending time on the meat and sauce, you’re making a fantastic stuffed shells dish. The flavors and seasonings will make this comfort food a joy to eat.

Delicious Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: A Comfort Food Classic

Get ready to enjoy a tasty Italian-American classic – stuffed pasta shells with meat. This dish mixes cheese, pasta, and tomato sauce for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for satisfying your cravings for homemade goodness.

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

1. First, cook the jumbo pasta shells as the package says. Make sure they’re al dente to avoid tearing when filling.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, an egg, and your favorite seasonings. This makes the cheese filling tasty.
3. Put a layer of marinara or tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off to fill each shell. Be careful not to overfill.
5. Place the filled shells in the dish, then cover them with more sauce and cheese.

Pro Tips for Filling Shells

For easy filling, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. This method helps you fill the shells neatly and evenly. It prevents spills and ensures even filling.

Visual Guide to Perfect Assembly

By following these steps and using some pro tips, you’ll make a beautiful tray of stuffed pasta shells. They’re sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired meal!

Cooking and Baking Instructions

Get your oven ready for a delicious baked pasta dish! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Then, put your stuffed shells in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake.

Bake for 25 minutes to let the flavors mix and cheese melt. Remove the foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes. This makes the cheese golden and bubbly.

Your baked pasta dishes with oven-baked shells will take about 30-35 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes each bite perfect and flavorful.

“The aroma of these baked pasta dishes with oven-baked shells is simply irresistible. The key is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures that come together in the oven.”

Follow these easy steps to make a comforting Italian dish. Serve it with a salad and wine for a complete meal. Mangia!

For perfect baked pasta dishes with oven-baked shells, pay attention to the details. Follow these steps closely. You’ll make a meal that everyone will love.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Preparing your stuffed shells ahead of time can save you a lot of stress. This tasty Italian dish can be put together up to 24 hours before baking. It’s also great for meal prep and freezer meals to keep for later.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your stuffed shells, just put them in a disposable aluminum pan. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Then, freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating Guidelines

1. Refrigerator Storage: Leftover baked stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
2. Reheating from Fridge: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
3. Reheating from Frozen: When baking from frozen, the stuffed shells should be baked at 350°F for about 60-70 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Using these meal prep and freezer meal tips, you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime. Enjoy the homemade taste of stuffed shells whenever you want!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The classic meat-stuffed shells recipe is a favorite comfort food. But, you can make it your own with different tastes or ingredients. Looking for a vegetarian or gluten-free option? Or maybe you want to try new flavors? This dish is full of possibilities.

Meat Substitutes

• Ground turkey or Italian sausage can easily replace the beef in the filling.
• For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat or opt for plant-based alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu.

Cheese Variations

Cottage cheese is a tasty substitute for ricotta cheese. Try different cheese blends like Italian cheese mix or mozzarella and parmesan.

Veggie-Packed Versions

Add fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the filling. These veggies make the dish more nutritious and flavorful. They also add a nice crunch.

Gluten-Free Options

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells. This small change lets everyone enjoy this classic Italian dish.

Stuffed shells can be reinvented in many ways. Try different sauces like pesto or creamy alfredo. Or add fresh herbs or roasted garlic to the filling. The most important thing is to have fun and be creative.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Indulge in a delicious Italian feast with these meat-stuffed shells and tasty side dishes. Pair them with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The garlic bread’s crunch and the salad’s freshness will enhance the stuffed shells’ creamy flavors.

Looking for something new? Try Caesar salad or sautéed veggies as sides. These options add a nice contrast to the pasta, making your meal more satisfying.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

The stuffed shells recipe pairs well with many wines. For a classic choice, go with a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese. Their bold taste and acidity match the shells’ richness. White wine lovers can enjoy a crisp Pinot Grigio or a creamy Chardonnay.

Complete Meal Planning

Start with bruschetta for a light appetizer. This Italian classic gets your guests ready for the stuffed shells. Remember, mix flavors and textures to create a balanced meal. Try different sides and wines to find the best match for your dish.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Enjoy the tasty flavors of this healthy pasta dishes without feeling guilty. Each serving of Meat Stuffed Shells has about 566 calories. It also has 37g of carbs, 34g of protein, and 31g of fat. The cheese adds a lot of protein and calcium, making it a balanced meal.

For a lighter version, try using lean balanced meals like ground beef or turkey. Choose part-skim cheeses instead. These changes can cut down calories and fat without losing flavor.

If you’re watching carbs, you can make the recipe even healthier. Use fewer shells and add more meat and veggies. This way, you get more protein and fiber in your Italian dish.

With a few tweaks, you can make this healthy pasta dishes part of a nutritious meal. It’s great for keeping your weight in check or following a specific diet. The Meat Stuffed Shells recipe is flexible and delicious, no matter your dietary needs.

Conclusion

This stuffed shells with meat recipe is a true Italian comfort food classic. It’s sure to become a family favorite. The dish combines ground beef, creamy cheese, and tangy tomato sauce for a satisfying taste.

It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

The ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste, from the ground beef to the bread. There are also helpful tips and storage guidelines to make planning ahead easy. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this Italian comfort food dish. It’s sure to become a treasured part of your family favorite recipes.

Let this stuffed shells with meat recipe take you on a journey to the heart of Italian-American cuisine. Savor the rich flavors and enjoy the comforting textures. Buon appetito!