stuffed shells recipe with meat

When the smell of tomato sauce and spices fills the kitchen, it feels like home. Stuffed shells with meat bring back memories of family dinners and special moments. This dish is not just food; it’s a warm hug for your heart and belly.

The Perfect Combination of Pasta, Cheese, and Meat

Italian-inspired dishes are hard to beat, especially italian stuffed shells. The traditional ones are vegetarian, but this meat-filled version is a game-changer. It adds ground beef stuffed shells to the mix, making it a protein-packed delight.

Traditional vs Meat-Filled Variations

Ricotta stuffed shells are usually filled with cheese, herbs, and veggies. But this recipe swaps that for ground beef, making it more savory. The mix of pasta, meat, and cheese is incredibly satisfying.

Key Components for Success

Success in this italian stuffed shells recipe comes from quality ingredients and careful cooking. Using the best ground beef and cooking the pasta shells right is key. Each step is important for the perfect taste and texture.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a hit because it combines the best of Italian cooking. It has tender pasta, creamy cheese, and savory ground beef. It looks great and tastes even better, making it perfect for any event.

“The addition of meat makes the dish more satisfying and filling than its vegetarian counterpart.”

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat

To make the perfect sausage stuffed shells, you need a few key ingredients. Start with jumbo pasta shells, a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, and three cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Choose large pasta shells for the filling. Use ground beef and Italian sausage for flavor and texture. For the cheese, pick high-quality ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Finish with a good marinara or spaghetti sauce. This sauce adds flavor to the stuffed shells. Season the filling with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper for a delicious taste.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty sausage stuffed shells dish. It will surely impress your loved ones.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Preparing the perfect baked pasta casserole or italian stuffed shells requires the right tools. From basic utensils to the best baking dishes, we’ll cover what you need. This will help your dish come out just right.

Must-Have Utensils

• Large pot for boiling the pasta shells
• Colander for draining the cooked shells
• Mixing bowls for preparing the cheese and meat filling
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing ingredients

Recommended Baking Dishes

A 9×13 inch Pyrex baking dish is perfect for stuffed shells. It’s big enough to hold lots of shells and cooks them evenly.

Optional Helper Tools

• Piping bag or zip-top bag for easily filling the pasta shells
• Cheese grater for freshly shredding the mozzarella and Parmesan
• Aluminum foil for covering the dish during baking
• Large skillet for cooking the meat mixture

With these tools, you’re ready to make a tasty baked pasta casserole or italian stuffed shells. Your family and friends will love it.

Preparing the Perfect Pasta Shells

To make the best stuffed pasta shells, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the jumbo pasta shells gently and cook as the package says, aiming for the lower end of the time. This keeps the shells al dente, so they don’t get too soft when baked.

After cooking, drain the pasta well and rinse the shells with cold water. Lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to dry. This step is key to avoiding too much moisture, which makes the dish creamier.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the stuffed pasta shells according to package directions, aiming for the lower end of the time range.
3. Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
4. Spread the shells on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to dry completely.

By following these tips, your stuffed pasta shells will be perfectly cooked. They’re ready to be filled with your tasty meat and cheese mix.

Creating the Meat and Cheese Filling

Making the perfect filling is key to a great stuffed shells recipe. The mix of ground beef and cheese is a culinary dream. Start by cooking 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef with diced onions until it’s brown. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Cooking the Meat Mixture

After the ground beef is cooked, mix it with the cheese. In another bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Add 3 tablespoons of chopped basil and an egg to hold it together. Then, mix half of the cheese blend into the beef for a tasty filling.

Cheese Blend Ratios

Finding the right cheese mix is crucial. The recipe suggests a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. But you can tweak it to your liking. Some like it creamier with more ricotta, while others prefer more Parmesan for a stronger flavor. Play with the ratios to find your favorite.

Now that you have your meat and cheese filling, you’re ready to make ground beef stuffed shells, ricotta stuffed shells, or three-cheese stuffed shells. These will surely impress your family and friends.

Assembly and Layering Techniques

Making the perfect stuffed shells recipe with meat is more than just mixing the filling. It’s about how you assemble and layer it for the best taste and texture. Follow these easy steps to make a stunning baked pasta casserole that everyone will love.

Begin by putting a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This could be homemade marinara or a top-quality store-bought one. It helps the shells not stick and ensures they’re evenly covered.

1. Use a spoon, piping bag, or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mix.
2. Place the filled shells in the baking dish, with the seam up for a neat look.
3. Put the rest of the sauce over the shells, making sure they’re all covered.
4. Then, sprinkle a lot of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

This last step will make a golden, bubbly crust on top. It takes your stuffed shells recipe with meat to a whole new level of taste. With the right assembly and layering, you’ll get tender pasta, rich cheese, and savory meat in every bite.

Sauce Options and Recommendations

Choosing the right sauce is key for italian stuffed shells or meat-filled pasta shells. You can make your own marinara sauce or pick a good store-bought one. Make sure to season it to your taste.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Options

Homemade marinara sauce lets you control the flavors. Start with sautéed onions and garlic. Then add crushed tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a bit of red pepper flakes for heat. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors.

If you’re in a hurry, a store-bought marinara sauce is a good choice. Choose one with quality ingredients and a strong flavor. Taste it and adjust the seasoning to match the meat-filled pasta shells.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement

Whether you make or buy the sauce, adding extra ingredients can enhance it. Try adding fresh basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes. You can also mix cooked ground beef into the sauce for more flavor. This makes the italian stuffed shells even tastier.

Use about 24-28 ounces of sauce for a 9×13 inch baking dish. The right sauce and seasonings will make your italian stuffed shells incredibly flavorful.

Baking Instructions and Timing

To bake your baked pasta casserole to perfection, follow these steps. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, cover a baking dish with a layer of stuffed shells recipe with meat.

Next, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 5-10 minutes. This lets the cheese melt and the edges get golden.

Once done, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is important for the flavors to blend well.

Your baked pasta casserole will need about 35-40 minutes of baking. Plus, the resting time adds to the overall time. By following these steps, you’ll get a cheesy, delicious dish your family will enjoy.

“The key to a successful baked pasta casserole is in the baking process – getting the timing just right for that irresistible melty cheese and golden-brown perfection.”

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This stuffed shells recipe with meat is great for busy times. You can make it up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for weeknights or when you have guests over.

This way, you can prepare most of it early. Then, just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy your baked pasta casserole.

Freezing Instructions

This stuffed shells recipe with meat is also great for freezing. You can freeze it before or after baking. Just put it in a freezer-safe container, cover it well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it as you normally would.

Reheating Methods

Leftover stuffed shells are easy to reheat. Cover them with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Or, microwave them for a quick meal.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. You can enjoy them for 3-4 days. The flavors often get better the next day.

FAQ

What are the key differences between traditional and meat-filled stuffed shells?

Traditional stuffed shells are vegetarian. Meat-filled shells add protein, making them more filling.

What are the essential ingredients needed for this stuffed shells recipe?

You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ground beef or Italian sausage, and ricotta cheese. Mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and spaghetti sauce are also key.

What kitchen tools and equipment are recommended for making stuffed shells?

You’ll need a large pot, a colander, mixing bowls, and a spoon or spatula. A 9×13 inch baking dish is best for baking. Optional tools include a piping bag, cheese grater, and foil for covering.

How do you properly prepare the pasta shells?

Use salted water and boil it hard before adding shells. Cook them until they’re al dente, following the box’s lower cooking time.

How do you create the meat and cheese filling?

Cook ground beef or Italian sausage with onions until browned. Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with herbs and an egg for the cheese filling.

What are the best assembly and layering techniques?

Start with a thin sauce layer in the dish. Fill each shell with meat and cheese, then arrange them seam side up. Cover with sauce and top with more cheese.

What are the best sauce options for stuffed shells?

Use homemade marinara or a good store-bought sauce. Add herbs like basil or oregano for flavor. A spicy kick can come from red pepper flakes. Meat sauce is made by mixing cooked ground beef with tomato sauce.

How do you bake the stuffed shells?

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5-10 minutes more until cheese is melted and golden.

Can stuffed shells be made ahead and frozen?

Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container, cover with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.