Stuffed Shells with Meat.
It’s an easy, oven-baked dish that offers flexibility to suit any dietary preference or palate. So if you’re looking for a classic Italian comfort food that’s big on flavor and low on fuss, this Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta and Sauce
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- Fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Get the Pasta Ready: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and let cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Fill the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and arrange it in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the Stuffed Shells with Meat, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the Stuffed Shells with Meat cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Jumbo Pasta Shells
Jumbo pasta shells create the perfect vessel for the meat and cheese filling, making each bite satisfying. If jumbo shells are unavailable, you can substitute manicotti tubes. Ground Beef
Ground beef is classic for this Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe, adding savory, rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a meat-free version, use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta brings creaminess to the filling and helps balance the texture of the meat. If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a good alternative, though it may result in a slightly different texture. Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the dish a gooey, cheesy top. Parmesan adds depth and a slight saltiness. If you like, swap with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor. Marinara Sauce
A good marinara sauce ties everything together. Use your favorite store-bought version, or make it from scratch for extra flavor. Tomato basil sauce also works well.
Jumbo pasta shells create the perfect vessel for the meat and cheese filling, making each bite satisfying. If jumbo shells are unavailable, you can substitute manicotti tubes. Ground Beef
Ground beef is classic for this Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe, adding savory, rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a meat-free version, use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta brings creaminess to the filling and helps balance the texture of the meat. If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a good alternative, though it may result in a slightly different texture. Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the dish a gooey, cheesy top. Parmesan adds depth and a slight saltiness. If you like, swap with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor. Marinara Sauce
A good marinara sauce ties everything together. Use your favorite store-bought version, or make it from scratch for extra flavor. Tomato basil sauce also works well.