Stuffed Shells With Meat And Cheese Recipe

Looking for a mouth-watering Italian dish to wow your family and friends? This stuffed shells with meat and cheese recipe is perfect for anyone craving a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Whether you're preparing for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making stuffed shells with meat and cheese, complete with helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into the ultimate comfort food experience!

What Are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells (often called conchiglioni) that are cooked and then filled with a delicious mixture of meat, cheese, and herbs. These shells are typically baked with a rich marinara or tomato sauce and plenty of melted cheese on top. The result is a dish that's both hearty and comforting, packed with flavor and textures.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

To make stuffed shells with meat and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 20-25 large pasta shells (conchiglioni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about stuffed shells is that they are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef or sausage for sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use a meat substitute like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a plant-based alternative.
• Different meats: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile. You can also mix meats for added complexity.
• Cheese variations: While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are the traditional cheeses, feel free to experiment with other types like fontina, provolone, or pecorino romano.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells if you’re avoiding gluten, and make sure the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
• Spicy: Add a kick of heat by including crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage.
• More veggies: If you want to increase the vegetable content, stir in finely chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers into the filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here is how to make stuffed shells with meat and cheese, step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them for about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest (al dente). You want them slightly undercooked since they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley (or basil). Stir in the cooked meat mixture until everything is evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is warmed through, remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish (9x13 inches works well). Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.

How to Cook Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

To sum it up, here's a simplified guide to making stuffed shells with meat and cheese:

1. Boil the pasta shells until al dente.
2. Cook the meat mixture with onions and garlic.
3. Mix the meat with cheeses and herbs for the filling.
4. Prepare a marinara sauce.
5. Stuff the shells, arrange them in a dish, top with sauce and cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making stuffed shells with meat and cheese, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcooking the pasta: The shells will continue cooking in the oven, so be sure to cook them just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and hard to handle.
• Not draining the meat properly: If there’s too much grease in the filling, it can make the dish greasy. Drain excess fat from the meat before mixing it with the cheese.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your ricotta and egg are at room temperature so they mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Not seasoning the filling enough: The meat and cheese mixture needs to be well-seasoned for the best flavor, so don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and herbs.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving stuffed shells with meat and cheese, presentation can make a big difference. Here are some tips to ensure your dish looks as good as it tastes:

• Serve the shells family-style in the baking dish, or plate individual portions with extra sauce spooned on top.
• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
• For a gourmet touch, drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil over the shells just before serving.
• Pair the dish with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

Stuffed shells are best served hot, straight out of the oven. You can serve them with additional marinara sauce on the side, allowing your guests to add extra sauce as desired. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top will elevate the presentation. For a complete Italian feast, pair the stuffed shells with a crisp Caesar salad and some warm, buttery garlic bread.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese

For a stunning presentation, consider these ideas:

• Serve the stuffed shells in individual ramekins for a personalized touch.
• Top each portion with a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone cheese for added creaminess.
• Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts on top for a delightful crunch.
• Arrange the shells in a circular pattern in the baking dish for a more elegant look.

Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe Tips

To ensure your stuffed shells turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overfill the shells; you want the filling to stay in place without overflowing.
• Taste the filling before stuffing the shells to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
• If you’re short on time, make the filling and sauce a day ahead to speed up assembly.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy make-ahead meal.
• Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor, or make your own if time allows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them before baking. When you're ready to bake, take them out of the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
A: Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake them. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q: What side dishes go well with stuffed shells?
A: Garlic bread, a fresh salad (like Caesar salad), roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens are all great side dishes to serve with stuffed shells.

Conclusion

Stuffed shells with meat and cheese are the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty flavors with creamy textures. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious Italian-inspired dish that is sure to impress. Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or try out some of the variations and substitutions, this is a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with your loved ones!

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