Stuffed shells with meat are a favorite in Italian cuisine. They’re made with giant pasta shells, a mix of meat and cheese, and topped with tomato sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food¹.

You can make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble the shells up to a day before or freeze them for later. Just remember to adjust the baking time¹.

These meat stuffed shells are loved for their rich flavors and satisfying texture. They’re a staple in many Italian homes. The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground chuck for the meat sauce².

Italian stuffed shells can be made with many ingredients. You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ground Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, black pepper, and spaghetti sauce³.

You can also customize the recipe. Use 2 cups of cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, and ¾ cup of Parmesan in the cheese filling².

The stuffed shells can be made ahead and frozen for later. The recommended cooking temperature is 375 degrees Fahrenheit³.

Key Takeaways

• You can prepare the stuffed shells recipe with meat ahead of time, allowing for assembling the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, or freezing them with adjustments to the baking time¹.
• The recipe includes a total of 1 pound of ground chuck for the meat sauce².
• The stuffed shells with meat can be made ahead and frozen for future consumption³.
• The recommended cooking temperature for the stuffed shells with meat is 375 degrees Fahrenheit³.
• The recipe includes ingredients such as jumbo pasta shells, ground Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, black pepper, and spaghetti sauce³.
• The italian stuffed shells can be customized with different ingredients, such as using 2 cups of small curd cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese in the cheese filling².
• The stuffed shells with meat are a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, with its rich flavors and satisfying texture¹.

Why This Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat Will Become Your Family Favorite

This easy meat stuffed shells recipe is great for families. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love the combination of ricotta, meat, and a crispy top⁴.

You can make it your own by changing the meat and cheese. Try using Italian sausage or mozzarella for a unique taste⁵. It’s also perfect for big gatherings or meal prep.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe: * It’s easy to make and you can change it up. * Great for big groups or special meals. * It’s full of flavor and filling. * The top gets crispy and golden⁶.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Meat Stuffed Shells

To make a delicious meat stuffed shells recipe, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, pasta shells, and cheese. The recipe calls for 2 1⁄2 lbs of ground beef, 2 boxes of jumbo pasta shells, and 2 cups of ricotta cheese⁷. You’ll also need spices and seasonings like Italian seasoning and garlic pepper seasoning.

The sauce is a key part of the recipe. You can use Prego spaghetti sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Each serving has 641kcal, 39g of protein, and 36g of fat⁸. To make the dish, cook the pasta, prepare the meat and cheese filling, and mix it with the sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef
• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic pepper seasoning
• Prego spaghetti sauce

https://youtube.com/watch?v=A9NlfVbUlj4

Classic stuffed shells with meat are a hearty dish you can make at home. With the right ingredients and a bit of effort, you can make a delicious homemade dish. It’s sure to please your family and friends.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	2 1⁄2 lbs
Jumbo pasta shells	2 boxes
Ricotta cheese	2 cups

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make an easy stuffed shells recipe, you need certain kitchen tools and equipment. You’ll need a big pot for boiling pasta and a baking dish for assembling and baking the shells⁹. You’ll also need various utensils like a wooden spoon, a spatula, and a cheese grater.

A well-stocked kitchen makes preparing stuffed shells easier. You’ll need a colander for draining pasta, a skillet for browning meat, and measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements¹⁰.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Large pot
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Spatula
• Cheese grater
• Colander
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Having the right tools ensures a delicious stuffed shells recipe⁹. With the right equipment, your dish will be perfect, and you’ll have a great time cooking.

Investing in the right kitchen tools lets you cook many dishes, including meat and cheese stuffed shells, with ease and confidence¹⁰.

Preparing Your Meat and Cheese Filling

To make the best stuffed shells with meat, start with a tasty meat and cheese filling. The recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef¹¹. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage as beef alternatives¹².

Cook the ground meat first. Brown it in a pan with oil, then drain the fat¹¹. Then, mix in 1-1/2 cups of Italian cheese blend and Parmesan cheese¹².

Here are some tips for preparing the filling:

• Cook the ground meat until it is browned, then drain the excess fat¹¹.
• Mix the cheese blend, which includes 1-1/2 cups of Italian cheese blend along with Parmesan cheese¹².
• Add some seasoning, such as salt, pepper, and herbs, to the filling to give it more flavor¹².

By following these steps, you can create a delicious homemade stuffed shells with meat filling. It’s perfect for your classic stuffed shells recipe¹¹.

Step-by-Step Shell Stuffing Technique

To make perfect stuffed shells, you need to master the stuffing technique. Fill each shell with a mix of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and other ingredients. Make sure not to overfill them. You’ll need one 12-ounce package of jumbo pasta shells¹³ for the right size.

For the filling, mix ricotta cheese with sour cream for a creamy texture¹⁴. Mozzarella cheese is used both in the filling and as a topping. It melts well and adds flavor. Italian sausage is better than plain ground beef for texture and taste¹³. Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add freshness and flavor to the filling and sauce¹⁴.

Here are some tips for stuffing the shells:

• Use a gentle touch to avoid breaking the shells.
• Fill the shells until they’re about 3/4 full, leaving some room for the cheese to melt and expand.
• Use a piping bag to fill the shells, if possible, to make the process easier and less messy.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you’ll make delicious baked stuffed shells. The recipe makes about 30 stuffed shells, serving 8 people¹⁴. It takes 25 minutes to prepare and 1 hour 30 minutes to cook¹⁵. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.

Making the Perfect Marinara Sauce

To make delicious easy meat stuffed shells, you need a great marinara sauce. You can choose between traditional or quick methods¹⁶. It’s important to use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for the best taste.

A traditional marinara sauce recipe includes olive oil, onion, garlic, and canned tomatoes. A quick version might use store-bought pasta sauce¹⁷. You can also add spinach or bell peppers to make it your own¹⁶.

Here are some tips for making the perfect marinara sauce:

• Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, using herbs and spices like basil, oregano, and salt.
• Consider adding other ingredients, such as ricotta or Parmesan cheese, to create a creamy sauce for your ricotta stuffed shells with meat¹⁸.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious marinara sauce. It will perfectly complement your easy meat stuffed shells or ricotta stuffed shells with meat¹⁷.

Sauce Type	Ingredients	Cooking Time
Traditional Marinara	Fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs	30-40 minutes
Quick Marinara	Store-bought pasta sauce, onion, garlic	15-20 minutes

Assembly and Baking Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F¹⁹. This is key for the first baking step. While the oven heats up, layer your homemade meat stuffed shells in a baking dish. Make sure to leave some space between each shell for even cooking.

The filling is a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, and three cheeses: mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta¹⁹. It also includes 32 ounces of ricotta cheese and 2 eggs¹⁹. Fill the shells generously but not too full. The cheese will melt and expand during baking.

Layering Methods

Here’s how to layer:

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish
• Arrange a layer of stuffed shells on top of the sauce
• Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top

This method keeps the shells moist and ensures they’re coated with sauce and melted cheese.

Temperature and Timing Guide

Bake the shells at 350°F first, then raise the temperature to 375°F for 15 more minutes¹⁹. This helps the mozzarella melt and brown. Watch the shells to ensure they’re cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

By following these steps, you’ll make delicious homemade meat stuffed shells. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months¹⁹. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warm. Enjoy your classic stuffed shells with meat anytime²⁰.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

To keep your delicious meat stuffed shells recipe fresh, follow proper storage and reheating guidelines. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 4-5 days²¹ or freeze them for up to 3 months²¹. When reheating, use the microwave or oven. It’s best to reheat at 350°F for a few minutes²².

For an easy stuffed shells recipe, store the dish in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavor and texture. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Then, bake them frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed²¹. To reheat frozen baked pasta, use the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes²².

Here are some tips for storing and reheating your stuffed shells:

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4-5 days²¹
• Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months²¹
• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F²²
• Freeze stuffed shells before baking and adjust cooking time as needed²¹

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your delicious meat stuffed shells recipe for longer. Remember to always check the dish for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. Also, reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety²³.

Recipe Variations and Customization Options

Want to make the best stuffed shells with meat? Try different ingredients to match your taste. Use ground beef, sausage, or turkey for unique flavors²⁴. For fewer calories, mix part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese²⁴.

Make it more exciting by adding spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the mix²⁴. Try jumbo or conchiglioni pasta shells for a different look and feel. You can also prep the shells ahead and refrigerate or freeze them for later²⁵.

Here are some ideas to try:

• Choose leaner meats like turkey or chicken for fewer calories
• Add red pepper flakes or jalapenos for a spicy kick
• Try parmesan or feta cheese for a unique taste
• Use gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients for special diets²⁶

With these ideas, you can make a meat and cheese stuffed shells recipe that’s just right for you. Whether you want a traditional Italian dish or something new, there are endless options²⁴.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 lb
Ricotta cheese	2 cups
Mozzarella cheese	3 cups

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When making homemade stuffed shells with meat, you might face some common problems. These can ruin your dish. To fix this, knowing how to handle these issues is key. Broken shells can be avoided by being gentle with the pasta and cooking it just right²⁷. A watery filling can be fixed by using the right amount of ricotta cheese and eggs²⁸.

To stop shells from breaking, gently mix the pasta with the filling. This keeps the shells whole during baking²⁹. For a watery filling, add more cheese or eggs, or use a slotted spoon to remove excess liquid²⁷.

Other issues like unevenly cooked shells, overcooked meat, and a lack of flavor can also happen. To solve these, use a thermometer for the right shell temperature, cook the meat until just browned, and add more herbs and spices to the filling²⁸. By following these tips, you can make a delicious classic stuffed shells recipe that everyone will love.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Homemade Stuffed Shells

With the right techniques and ingredients, you can become a master of homemade³⁰ baked stuffed shells with meat. This recipe makes about 8 servings³⁰, making it easy to plan meals and control portions. The sauce needs to simmer for at least 15 minutes to get the best flavor³⁰.

The baking time is 25-30 minutes³⁰, which is quick and convenient. This shows how fast you can make a dish that tastes great.

The FAQ section answers common questions, like baking time and pasta shell alternatives³⁰. It helps a wide range of cooks. By mastering the techniques and using the right ingredients, you’ll make a dish that everyone will love. Try different meats and cheeses³¹ to find your favorite version of this Italian classic.

FAQ

What is the key to perfectly cooked stuffed shells with meat?

To make stuffed shells with meat perfectly, balance the flavors in the filling. Also, make sure the shells are stuffed right and baked well. Cooking the ground meat right, mixing the cheeses well, and using the right sauce are key to a tasty dish.

How do I prevent the shells from breaking when stuffing them?

To avoid breaking shells, be gentle and slow when stuffing. You can also cook the pasta shells a bit less before stuffing. This makes them easier to fill. Spoon the filling into each shell carefully, without overstuffing.

Can I use a different type of meat beside ground beef?

Yes, you can use different meats in your stuffed shells. Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix of meats work well. Choose a meat that adds flavor to the dish.

How do I make the perfect marinara sauce for my stuffed shells?

For the best marinara sauce, start with good tomatoes. Use canned or fresh tomatoes. Sauté garlic and onions, then add tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Simmer until it thickens. You can also use store-bought sauce for ease.

Can I make the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells ahead. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Bake as directed when you’re ready. It’s perfect for busy days or parties.

How do I reheat leftover stuffed shells with meat?

To reheat stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the shells in a dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes. For individual portions, microwave, stirring often, until hot.

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