Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: A Hearty, Comforting Classic

If you’re looking for a dish that combines indulgent flavors with ease of preparation, this stuffed shells recipe with meat is your ultimate solution. Featuring tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and seasoned ground beef mixture, all smothered in marinara sauce and baked to cheesy perfection, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit dietary needs.

For the best results, start by mastering the art of cooking pasta. Ensuring your pasta shells are al dente is critical to maintaining their shape during baking. Follow these tips for cooking pasta perfectly to avoid overcooking and enjoy a flawless final dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Convenient: Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
  • Customizable: Adapt it with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian option.
  • Irresistible Flavor: A cheese-stuffed shell paired with savory marinara sauce and melted Parmesan guarantees satisfaction.

Explore various cheese options to personalize the flavor profile even more—whether you love the creaminess of ricotta or prefer the mild tang of cottage cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this dish:

  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells (12 ounces)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of meat)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese, divided
  • 1 container ricotta cheese (15 ounces)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup pesto (for an extra burst of flavor)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces)
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Pro Tip: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese if needed. Just strain it well to avoid watery filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling

  • Sauté ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned.
  • Combine ricotta, 1 ½ cups of shredded Italian cheese, Parmesan, egg, and pesto in a bowl.
  • Stir half of the meat mixture into the cheese blend.

3. Assemble the Dish

  • Spread ¾ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Stuff each shell with the cheese-meat mixture and arrange in the dish.
  • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with the rest of the ground beef mixture.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

4. Bake to Perfection

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your stuffed shells with meat with these complementary sides for a complete meal:

  • Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping into the rich marinara sauce.
  • A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Stuffed shells are excellent for meal prepping. Here’s how to handle leftovers or make them ahead:

  • Refrigerate: Store baked shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Learn more with this guide to freezing casseroles.
  • Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. For individual portions, microwave on high for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs About Stuffed Shells

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well.

What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese is an excellent alternative. Strain it well to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent pasta shells from breaking?

Cook until just al dente and handle them gently while stuffing.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Can I add extra flavor?

Enhance the filling with Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This stuffed shells recipe with meat is more than just a dish—it’s a centerpiece for comfort and connection at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead as a freezer-friendly meal, it’s a versatile and rewarding recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Give it a try today and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

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