Ready to shake up your dinner routine? This stuffed shells with meat recipe is here to impress your family. It’s a mix of Italian flavors and easy prep, perfect for any night. Your loved ones will ask for more of this delicious dish.
Key Takeaways
- Stuffed shells with meat is a protein-packed, family-friendly Italian comfort food
- The recipe can be made ahead and frozen for busy weeknights
- Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture, then baked to perfection
- This dish serves 8-9 people and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Customizable with homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
Why This Classic Italian Comfort Food Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Enjoy the comforting flavors of Italian comfort food with our delicious stuffed shells with meat recipe. It’s great for both special occasions and everyday family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, perfect for busy families.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Stuffed shells with meat are a timeless Italian classic. They show off your cooking skills. They’re perfect for any event, impressing guests with their creamy filling and savory tomato sauce.
Make-Ahead Benefits
This recipe is super convenient. You can make the stuffed shells ahead of time. Then, just cover and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake. It’s great for busy nights or last-minute gatherings, offering a quick, homemade meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
The mix of tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese is a hit. It pleases everyone, from picky eaters to those with diverse tastes. This Italian comfort food is sure to please your whole family.
Feel free to customize the recipe to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. It will become a favorite in your kitchen, a meal you’ll always look forward to making.
Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Meat
To make the perfect stuffed shells with meat, you need the right ingredients. The dish starts with jumbo pasta shells. They are the base for the tasty filling.
The filling’s star is ground beef or Italian sausage. They add a savory flavor. The creamy mix of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes it irresistible.
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Eggs
- Spinach (optional)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Italian seasonings
Frozen spinach adds nutrition and texture. Fresh and dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley give it authentic Italian taste.
“The secret to the perfect stuffed shells is in the balance of the cheese and meat filling. You want a rich, creamy texture that complements the al dente pasta shells.”
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious stuffed shells with meat dish. It will impress your family and friends.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Preparing the perfect stuffed shells with meat requires the right tools. You’ll need essential cookware and some optional tools. Let’s look at what you need to make this classic Italian dish.
Essential Cookware
You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta shells. A skillet is needed for cooking the meat. Also, a mixing bowl for the filling and a 9×13-inch baking dish for baking.
Optional Helpful Tools
- Pasta strainer or colander to drain the cooked shells
- Cheese grater for shredding the cheese blend
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning the ingredients
Baking Dish Recommendations
A large, deep baking dish is best for baking stuffed shells. It holds the pasta and sauce well. Disposable aluminum dishes are also good, especially for freezing.
With these kitchen tools for stuffed shells and a good baking dish for pasta, you’re ready to make a delicious Italian dinner for your family.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Pasta Shells
Getting your stuffed pasta shells just right starts with cooking the pasta. To make sure your cooking pasta shells are al dente, follow these tips:
- Use plenty of water – around 4-6 quarts – and bring it to a raging boil before adding the pasta shells.
- Salt the water generously to infuse the shells with flavor.
- Cook the pasta for the time indicated on the box, aiming for the lower end of the cooking time range.
- Cook all the shells in the package, even if you don’t need them all, to have backup shells on hand.
- Drain the cooked shells very well to remove any excess water that could affect the final dish.
- Cooking the al dente pasta is crucial, as the shells will continue to cook further in the oven during baking.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your cooking pasta shells turn out perfectly tender yet firm. This creates the ideal foundation for your delicious stuffed shell recipe.
Creating the Perfect Meat and Cheese Filling
Making the perfect stuffed shells filling is key to this Italian dish. It combines ground beef or Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and parmesan. This mix creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
Meat Selection and Preparation
For the best taste and texture, use 1 pound of ground chuck beef. Cook and drain the meat well before mixing it into the filling. This keeps the filling from getting too wet. You can also try Italian sausage or a mix of beef and sausage for more flavor.
Cheese Blend Secrets
The cheese mix is the heart of the filling. Mix 1-1/2 cups of part-skim ricotta, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan. Ricotta makes it creamy, while mozzarella and parmesan add meltiness and flavor.
Seasoning Balance
- Season the meat and cheese mix with salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and basil to taste.
- The seasonings should enhance the flavors without being too strong.
- Try the filling and adjust the seasoning to get the perfect taste.
With the right mix of meat, cheese, and seasonings, you’ll make a stuffed shells filling that’s amazing. Your guests will love the tasty meat and cheese mixture in those tender pasta shells.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Assembling stuffed shells with meat is easy and delicious. Start by putting a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. This keeps the pasta shells from sticking and spreads flavor evenly.
Then, fill each cooked pasta shell with the tasty meat and cheese mix. Place the filled shells in the dish, with the seam facing up. This keeps the filling inside and the shells in shape.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with the meat and cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish, seam-side up.
To finish, cover the shells with more marinara sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. This makes sure every bite is full of flavor and texture.
Finally, put the shells close together in the dish. This keeps them moist during baking. This method ensures the sauce and cheese are evenly distributed. It makes for a delicious how to assemble stuffed shells and layering stuffed shells experience.
Sauce Options and Recommendations
Choosing the right sauce for your stuffed shells is key. You can go for homemade marinara sauce or a top-notch store-bought one. A homemade marinara sauce for stuffed shells brings out the best flavors. But, a good store-bought sauce can also make your dish shine.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Making your own homemade pasta sauce lets you pick the ingredients and adjust the taste. A quick 25-minute marinara sauce can transform your dish. Yet, if you’re short on time, a quality store-bought sauce is a great backup.
Sauce Variations
- For a smoother sauce, use only crushed tomatoes in your homemade marinara.
- Try adding herbs like oregano, basil, or a bit of red wine for new flavors.
- When picking a store-bought sauce, look for a brand that fits your taste and dietary needs.
Whichever sauce you choose, aim for about 4 cups. This ensures your stuffed shells are well-coated and taste amazing.
Baking Times and Temperature Guidelines
To get perfectly baked stuffed shells, follow the right oven temperature and baking times. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start. Fill the shells and place them in a baking dish. Cover them with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
This first step helps the flavors mix and the shells to warm up evenly. After 30 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 5 minutes. This lets the cheese topping get golden and bubbly.
If you’re baking the dish straight from the fridge, add 5-10 minutes to the covered time. This ensures the shells are warm all the way through.
For frozen stuffed shells, bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 5-10 minutes more. Always check the dish is hot before serving your tasty baked stuffed shells.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in stuffed shells with meat?
The main ingredients are jumbo pasta shells, ground beef or Italian sausage, and ricotta cheese. You’ll also need mozzarella, parmesan, marinara sauce, eggs, spinach, garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings.
What essential tools are needed to make stuffed shells with meat?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for cooking meat, and a mixing bowl. A 9×13-inch baking dish is also crucial. Optional tools include a pasta strainer, cheese grater, and measuring cups and spoons.
How do you cook the pasta shells perfectly?
Use 4-6 quarts of water and bring it to a boil. Add salt and cook the pasta as directed, aiming for al dente. Cook all shells in the package for backups. Drain well to avoid excess water.
How do you make the perfect meat and cheese filling?
Cook and drain the ground beef or Italian sausage. Mix it with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, spinach, garlic, and herbs. Use part-skim ricotta for lightness and mozzarella and parmesan for flavor. Season with salt, pepper, parsley, and basil. Make sure the meat is well-drained and cooled before mixing.
What are the steps for assembling the stuffed shells?
Start by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the shells seam side up in the dish. Top with more marinara sauce and cheese. Place shells close together to prevent drying out.
What are the recommended baking times and temperature for stuffed shells?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes more. If refrigerated, add 5-10 minutes. For frozen, bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 5-10 minutes. Always check the dish is hot before serving.
