Stuffed Shells with Meat

These Stuffed Shells with Meat are a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, these cheesy pasta shells are loaded with flavor and topped with gooey mozzarella. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage in a rich marinara sauce makes for a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and seasoned meat ensures every bite bursts with deliciousness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. They reheat beautifully!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the meat for turkey or chicken according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (13-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and browning meat evenly.
• Baking dish (13-inch): Perfect size for holding all the stuffed shells without crowding them.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining filling ingredients smoothly without any mess.

Ingredients

To create these cheesy Stuffed Shells with Meat, gather the following ingredients:

For the 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 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 Assembly

• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re done assembling your stuffed shells.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Meat Sauce

In a large skillet:
* Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Sauté the diced bell peppers until soft.
* Add the ground beef, cooking until browned.
* Stir in the marinara sauce, 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 the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with about a tablespoon of the ricotta mixture. Ensure they are packed tightly but not breaking apart.

Step 6: Assemble

In your baking dish:
* Spread several spoonfuls of meat sauce on the bottom.
* Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
* Pour remaining meat sauce over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. After that:
* Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
* Increase oven temperature to 375°F and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until cheese is fully melted. Broil briefly if you want a golden top.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Shells with Meat!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat

Serving stuffed shells with meat is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, these tips will help you present this comforting dish beautifully.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery flavor of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the cheesy stuffed shells, adding a crunchy texture.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in vinaigrette adds brightness and freshness to your meal.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley over the top not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.

Serve with Extra Sauce

• Side of Marinara Sauce: Offering extra marinara sauce for dipping allows guests to enjoy more of that rich tomato flavor.

Include Grated Cheese

• Grated Parmesan or Mozzarella: Providing additional cheese at the table lets everyone customize their portion to their liking.

How to Perfect Stuffed Shells with Meat

Perfecting stuffed shells with meat takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold seasoning: Ensure you season both the meat sauce and cheese filling adequately for maximum flavor.
• Al dente pasta: Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Layer evenly: Distribute the meat sauce evenly in your baking dish for consistent flavor throughout.
• Avoid overstuffing: Fill each shell generously but avoid overstuffing, which can lead to spills while baking.
• Broil for finishing touch: Broiling the dish for a few minutes at the end creates a deliciously crispy top layer of melted cheese.
• Rest before serving: Letting the shells sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps them set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Shells with Meat

Adding side dishes can enhance your meal and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers a light side that balances richness without overpowering flavors.
4. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, artichokes, marinated vegetables, and cheeses adds variety and fun for sharing.
5. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an elegant starter.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs complements the stuffed shells while adding substance to the meal.
7. Zucchini Noodles: Light zucchini noodles can serve as a low-carb alternative that still delivers on taste.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter provides a nostalgic feel that pairs well with Italian flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Stuffed Shells with Meat, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Not seasoning your meat sauce can lead to bland stuffed shells. Always taste your sauce as you cook and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Overstuffing the shells: While it may be tempting to pack the shells tightly, overstuffing can cause them to break. Fill each shell generously, but don’t force the filling in.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold ricotta or eggs can affect the texture of your filling. Allow them to sit at room temperature before mixing.
• Neglecting the baking dish: Not using a proper baking dish can result in uneven cooking. Ensure you have a suitable 13-inch dish to hold all the stuffed shells comfortably.
• Skipping the broil step: Broiling at the end creates a beautifully golden top. If you skip this step, you might miss out on that delightful texture contrast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers or tightly cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing Stuffed Shells with Meat

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• • Containers: Place stuffed shells in an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Reheating Stuffed Shells with Meat

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to create steam, and cover until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Stuffed Shells with Meat that may help you.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option while still providing delicious flavor.

How do I prevent my stuffed shells from breaking?

To avoid breaking, ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente and handle them gently when stuffing.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding herbs like basil or oregano into your filling or marinara sauce for an additional flavor boost.

Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just increase bake time slightly if they are chilled.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef and sausage with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and enhance flavors with more vegetables.

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Shells with Meat are not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different vegetables or spices according to your preferences. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and meal prep, so give it a try!