Flavors Worth Savoring
Hearty Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: Classic Comfort Food
As the cool autumn breeze whispers through the open window, I crave the comforting warmth of a homemade dish. The aroma of baked pasta, melted cheese, and savory meat sauce fills the air. It takes me back to cozy family dinners where laughter and love filled the room. This stuffed shells recipe with meat is the ultimate comfort food, a recipe that has become a cherished tradition in my household.
Key Takeaways
- Hearty and flavorful stuffed shells recipe with a savory meat filling
- Easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for later
- Includes a homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for an authentic Italian taste
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with different proteins and cheese variations
- The ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners
Irresistible Stuffed Shells with Meat
Get ready to indulge in a hearty and mouthwatering dish – cheesy stuffed shells with meat! This classic Italian-inspired recipe combines jumbo pasta shells with a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. It creates a protein-packed filling that’s sure to satisfy. The creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses adds a delightful creaminess to every bite, making this homemade stuffed shells dish truly irresistible.
A Hearty and Flavorful Meal
The ground beef stuffed shells recipe calls for 15 ounces of jumbo shells, 1 pound of 85% lean ground beef, and a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce. This creates a rich and flavor-packed meat sauce. The cheese filling is a blend of 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 3 cups of mozzarella cheese, seasoned with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Jumbo pasta shells (15 oz)
- Ground beef (1 lb, 85% lean)
- Marinara sauce (24 oz)
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- Mozzarella cheese (3 cups)
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp)
This stuffed shells recipe with meat is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving contains 197 calories, 1 gram of fat (with 0.1 grams of saturated fat), 40 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber. It’s a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this stuffed shells recipes with meat is sure to be a hit. Get ready to dive into a comforting and flavorful dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Making the perfect [recipes stuffed shells recipes with meat] is all about paying attention to details. Let’s go through the steps to make sure your [recipe stuffed shells with meat] are delicious. They should be [jumbo shells] with a tasty [ground beef and pasta shells] filling.
Cooking the Pasta Shells
First, boil a big pot of salted water. Carefully add the [stuffed shells with meat] pasta. Cook it until it’s almost done, but still a bit firm. This is key to keep the shells perfect for the filling.
Preparing the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, let’s make the meat sauce. In a skillet, cook diced bell peppers and garlic until they smell good. Then, add the ground Italian sausage and beef. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled.
Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Finally, add your favorite marinara sauce. This makes the sauce rich and flavorful.
Now, with the pasta and meat sauce ready, you’re almost there. You’re on your way to making a [recipes stuffed shells recipes with meat] dish that’s sure to impress. Keep following along for the next steps to [recipe stuffed shells with meat] greatness!
Customizing Your Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
This classic stuffed shells recipe uses Italian sausage and ground beef. But, you can change the protein to what you like. Ground turkey or chicken are good choices for a leaner option. For a spicier taste, use all Italian sausage. Remember, you might need to adjust the seasonings when you swap proteins.
Protein Alternatives
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Italian sausage (for a spicier filling)
Cheese Variations
The traditional cheese mix is ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. But, feel free to mix and match to make it your own. Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta or add cheddar or Asiago. Just adjust the amounts to your liking.
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and fill the shells with mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You can also use a meatless marinara sauce or a store-bought vegetarian sauce.
“Customizing your stuffed shells recipe with meat allows you to create a dish that perfectly suits your dietary preferences and taste buds.”
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Jumbo pasta shells | 6 ounces |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion | Half of a large onion |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Ricotta cheese | 16 ounces |
| Italian cheese blend | 2 cups, divided |
| Parmesan cheese | Half cup, grated |
| Eggs | 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk |
| Basil pesto | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh basil | 3 tablespoons, chopped |
| Marinara sauce | 26 ounces, divided |
Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This stuffed shells recipe with meat is the ultimate comfort food. It combines savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
This recipe makes about 24 shells, serving 6 people. Each person gets 4 stuffed shells, making it a filling meal. You’ll need 24-26 jumbo pasta shells, with extra in case some tear.
The cheese filling is a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. It also includes fresh parsley and an egg for binding. This creamy filling pairs well with the savory ground beef.
This stuffed shells with meat recipe can be made ahead and frozen. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for 3 months. To bake, just thaw and cook for about 40 minutes.
“This stuffed shells with meat recipe is the ultimate comfort food dish. The combination of the savory meat filling, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.”
If you want a classic and satisfying recipe for stuffed shells with meat, this is it. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make and always a hit.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
Creating a tasty stuffed shells recipe doesn’t have to be rushed. This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making meal planning easier. You can refrigerate or freeze the shells, simplifying your kitchen tasks.
Refrigerating Unbaked Stuffed Shells
This make-ahead stuffed shells recipe lets you prep the dish up to 24 hours before baking. Just fill the pasta shells, cover, and refrigerate until baking time. Remember, baking may take 5-10 minutes longer since the shells are cold.
Freezing for Later
For longer storage, freeze these freezer-friendly stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Assemble in a disposable pan, cover with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. To bake, remove plastic wrap, keep foil on, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes for melted cheese.
This recipe is perfect for those who want convenience and flexibility. Enjoy a homemade meal with little last-minute effort.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Stuffed shells with meat are a hearty main dish. To make a complete meal, serve them with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables. The mix of flavors and textures will make your meal satisfying.
For drinks, a crisp white wine or a full-bodied red wine pairs well with stuffed shells. White wine cuts through the dish’s richness. A robust red wine brings out the savory flavors of the meat.
| Dish | Side Dish Suggestions | Beverage Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Shells with Meat |
|
|
Pairing stuffed shells with various sides and drinks makes a satisfying meal. It will impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.
“The perfect stuffed shells dish is all about balance – the rich, meaty filling, the al dente pasta, and the complementary sides and drinks. It’s a true Italian-inspired comfort food masterpiece.”
Conclusion
This stuffed shells recipe with meat is a true classic comfort food dish. It combines savory ground meats, creamy cheeses, and flavorful marinara sauce. This mix creates a meal that is both satisfying and delicious.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this stuffed shells recipe with meat is sure to become a new favorite. It’s a dish that everyone will love.
The dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. You can switch up the protein, try different cheese varieties, or even make a vegetarian version. Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.
So why not give this delectable stuffed shells recipe a try? Experience the joy of a hearty, comforting meal that the whole family will love. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish to add to your culinary repertoire.
FAQ
What is the main ingredient in this stuffed shells recipe with meat?
The main ingredients are jumbo pasta shells, ground Italian sausage, and ground beef.
Can I substitute the meats in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the meats. Try ground turkey or chicken. Or use all Italian sausage for more spice.
Can I make the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake for 5-10 minutes longer if cold.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Assemble in a disposable pan, cover with foil and plastic wrap. Bake frozen at 375°F for 45 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake 5-10 minutes more.
What sides go well with this stuffed shells recipe?
Stuffed shells are a hearty main dish. Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, and roasted veggies. A crisp white wine or a full-bodied red wine complements this dish well.
