Meaty Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Meaty Stuffed Shells, a hearty fusion of rich flavors and creamy textures that will please the whole family. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef (or Italian sausage), ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with hints of garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Nestled in a bed of marinara sauce and baked to bubbling perfection, this dish offers the perfect balance of gooey cheesiness and robust meatiness. Ready in just an hour, it's an ideal option for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve these cheesy stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 20 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound Ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups Marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the shells, rinse under cold water, and set them aside.

Step 3

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage), breaking it into small pieces until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, the egg, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Once the meat mixture has cooled slightly, fold it into the cheese mixture.

Step 7

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, and place them seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.

Step 9

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Garnish with extra parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1988.7 grams (1988.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3017

Total Fat 212.70g	273%
Saturated Fat 98.50g	493%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.30g
Cholesterol 927mg	309%
Sodium 6696mg	291%
Total Carbohydrate 88.10g	32%
Dietary Fiber 9.90g	35%
Total Sugars 23.70g
Protein 203.40g	407%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 3691mg	284%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 1837mg	39%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.1%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 11.4%