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Searching for the ultimate stuffed shells recipe with meat? You’re in the right place! This classic Italian-inspired recipe is loaded with flavor, featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich mix of ground meat, creamy cheeses, and savory marinara sauce. Perfectly comforting and easy to make, this dish is ideal for a family meal, a cozy dinner with friends, or even a date night at home. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful meal that’s sure to impress!
Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
Each jumbo pasta shell is filled with a delicious blend of ground meat, creamy cottage cheese, and ricotta, then smothered with marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. This comfort dish is easy to customize, and with a few variations, it can cater to different tastes.
Ingredients Needed for the Best Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Gathering your ingredients first makes cooking much easier! Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect stuffed shells recipe with meat:
- Jumbo pasta shells – 20 to 25 shells (plan for a few extras in case any break during cooking)
- Ground meat (beef, or a mixture) – 1 lb
- Cottage cheese – 1 ½ cups, for a unique creamy texture
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup, essential for that traditional Italian richness
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated for extra depth of flavor
- Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded, to melt on top
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced, to add a savory kick
- Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon, a mix of herbs that brings a signature taste
- Marinara sauce – 2 cups, homemade or store-bought, for that rich tomato base
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley – chopped, as a garnish (optional)
Ingredient
Cottage Cheese: Using cottage cheese in this stuffed shells recipe with meat is a bit different from traditional recipes that only use ricotta. Cottage cheese adds a subtle tanginess and a lighter texture, making the filling extra creamy without being too dense. It’s a wonderful balance that enhances the flavor and keeps the filling from feeling overly heavy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a must in this recipe! When baked, it melts into a golden, bubbly topping that adds both texture and visual appeal. If you want an extra cheesy layer, feel free to add more mozzarella on top before baking.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Ready to start cooking? Follow these easy steps to make the ultimate stuffed shells recipe with meat:
Prepare the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and heat it until boiling. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t stick together.
- . Cook the shells until they’re al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Remember, they’ll continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking them is best.
- Drain and Set Aside
Drain the pasta shells and rinse them gently with cool water. This helps prevent them from sticking together and cools them enough to handle easily when you’re ready to stuff them.
Making the Meat Filling
- Brown the Ground Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground meat. Cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the filling light. - Season the Meat
Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the cooked meat. Cook for about a minute, until you can smell the garlic’s aroma. This step helps infuse the filling with savory flavors that make each bite of this stuffed shells recipe with meat irresistible. - Mix the Cheeses
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the cheese mixture and stir until everything is well blended.
Assembling the Shells
Stuff the Shells
Spoon the meat and cheese filling into each shell, using about two tablespoons of filling per shell. Be generous! Place each filled shell in a baking dish that has been lightly greased or lined with marinara sauce.
Layer with Sauce and Cheese
Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish before adding the shells. Once the shells are arranged, pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire dish.
Baking
Cover and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place aluminum foil over the baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes. This step allows the shells to heat through while keeping them moist.
Uncover and Finish Baking
Take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Your stuffed shells recipe with meat is ready to be devoured!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Every cook has their secrets, and here are a few tips that will make your stuffed shells recipe with meat even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavor of this dish, adding a level of authenticity that dried ingredients can’t always deliver. - Don’t Overfill the Shells
Be generous with the filling but avoid overstuffing, as too much filling can cause the shells to split or collapse during baking. - Let the Filling Cool Slightly Before Stuffing
Hot filling can make the shells harder to handle, so giving the mixture a few minutes to cool down will make the stuffing process easier.
Why This Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat Is a Must-Try
This recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into a rich, comforting meal. The stuffed shells recipe with meat combines familiar flavors with an easy, approachable method, making it a versatile choice. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving something hearty, these stuffed shells are sure to please.
Variations and Customizations for Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ideas for customizing this stuffed shells recipe with meat:
- Spicy Italian Sausage
For a bolder flavor, try substituting ground meat with spicy Italian sausage. It brings an extra depth of flavor that balances well with the creamy cheese filling. - Vegetarian Option
Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. These veggies add texture and a burst of color while keeping the dish light. - Pesto Sauce
Instead of marinara, you can use a pesto sauce for a vibrant, herby twist. The basil and Parmesan in pesto complement the cheese filling beautifully. - Extra Cheesy Layer
Mix in some shredded provolone or Gouda with the mozzarella for a richer, more indulgent topping.
Nutritional Information for Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
While this stuffed shells recipe with meat is certainly a treat, it’s nice to know the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
These numbers can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but in general, this dish provides a balanced meal with a good amount of protein and calcium from the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the refrigerator and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Arrange the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover them tightly, and freeze for up to three months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the usual baking instructions.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
Of course! Feel free to experiment. Ricotta is traditional, but you could try cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamier filling. Adding extra mozzarella or provolone on top is also a great choice.
Serving Ideas for Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
This stuffed shells recipe with meat pairs wonderfully with a few classic sides:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes a perfect companion, helping you scoop up extra sauce and melted cheese.
- Caesar Salad: A refreshing Caesar salad adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the shells.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide color and a healthy balance.
Fun Facts About Stuffed Pasta
Did you know that stuffed pasta dates back to ancient times? Early Italians were known for their creativity in cooking, and pasta dishes quickly evolved to include filled variations like ravioli, tortellini, and of course, stuffed shells. Each region of Italy developed its own versions of stuffed pasta, showcasing different cheeses, meats, and herbs, making dishes like these stuffed shells an enduring favorite worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
This stuffed shells recipe with meat brings a comforting, homemade flavor that you can count on. Easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it’s a meal that suits any occasion. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or just in need of a cozy dinner, this recipe will leave you and your guests satisfied—and likely reaching for seconds!
Ready to dive into a cheesy, meaty, flavorful feast? Try this recipe tonight and see for yourself why stuffed shells with meat are the ultimate comfort food!