Stuffed Shells Recipe With Meat

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, this stuffed shells recipe with meat is exactly what you need. These pasta shells are filled with a savory blend of meat, cheese, and seasonings, then baked in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. From the creamy cheese filling to the tender, juicy ground beef, each bite is an experience in itself. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into creating this delicious and foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredible Flavor: With a combination of meat-stuffed pasta shells and three different kinds of cheese, every bite is rich and satisfying.

2. Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is easily scaled up to feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings, holidays, or even meal prepping for the week.

3. Easy to Make: Though it may look fancy, this recipe is beginner-friendly and takes only a few simple steps to create.

Ingredients Table for Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this Italian stuffed shells recipe:

Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in creating the ultimate cheesy stuffed shells with meat that’s perfect for your next dinner. Now, let’s move on to the preparation steps!

Preparing the Meat Filling for Stuffed Shells

1. Cook the Ground Beef
   Begin by warming up a large skillet on medium heat. Place the ground beef in the pan, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks, until it’s thoroughly browned. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, even meat filling for your stuffed shells recipe with meat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic
   Once the beef is nearly cooked, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, adding a depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
3. Season the Meat Mixture
   To finish the filling, season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with the cheese filling.

Mixing the Cheese Filling

The creamy, cheesy filling in these cheesy stuffed shells with meat is what makes this dish so irresistible. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine Ricotta and Parmesan
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese. The ricotta adds creaminess, while the Parmesan brings a hint of sharpness.
2. Add Mozzarella and Egg
   Stir in the shredded mozzarella and the beaten egg. The egg will help bind the filling, making it easier to stuff the pasta shells.
3. Incorporate Fresh Basil
   For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh basil. This herb pairs beautifully with the cheeses and meat-stuffed pasta shells.

Stuffing the Shells

With the meat and cheese mixtures ready, it’s time to stuff the shells. Here’s the process to follow:

1. Pre-cook the Pasta Shells
   Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until they are just al dente. Avoid cooking them too long, as they will soften further while baking.
2. Cool the Shells
   After draining the pasta, rinse the shells gently with cool water. This simple step keeps them from clumping together and makes them more manageable.
3. Fill Each Shell
   Using a spoon, stuff each shell with a generous amount of the meat and cheese filling. Aim to fill them evenly so every bite is perfectly balanced.

Layering and Baking the Stuffed Shells

The final step in this Italian stuffed shells recipe is assembling and baking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Add a thin coating of marinara sauce to the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This initial layer keeps the shells from sticking as they bake.
2. Arrange the Stuffed Shells
   Place each stuffed shell into the dish, positioning them with the open sides facing up. Arrange them closely together, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.
3. Top with Marinara and Cheese
   Evenly distribute the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Then sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
4. Bake the Shells
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese on top.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality cheeses and fresh herbs will elevate the flavors in this stuffed shells recipe with meat.
• Avoid Overfilling the Shells: Filling each shell with just enough meat and cheese will help them hold together during baking.
• Serve with Fresh Basil Garnish: Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving gives the dish a beautiful finish.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy stuffed shells with meat pair perfectly with a simple green salad and a slice of garlic bread. For an Italian-inspired dinner, serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make stuffed shells with meat in advance?
Certainly, you can prepare the stuffed shells up to a day before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and they’ll be good to go.

2. What other cheeses can I use?
While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are traditional, you can add provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in the oven.

Conclusion
This stuffed shells recipe with meat is a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich filling, cheesy topping, and flavorful marinara sauce, each shell is a perfect bite of comfort and taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring people together over a shared love of good food.