If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty Italian classic, the Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich blend of ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella, all baked in a luscious marinara sauce. It’s perfect for those cozy family dinners where you want something both satisfying and impressive without spending forever in the kitchen. Each bite is a dreamy combination of savory meatiness and melty cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory ground chuck to the creamy cheeses, every component is simple but essential to crafting the perfect stuffed shells.
- Ground chuck (1 pound): Provides hearty, flavorful meat that forms the savory base of the stuffing.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Gives sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings that classic aromatic kick to the sauce.
- Marinara sauce (26 ounces): A vibrant tomato base that ties the dish together with tangy, herby notes.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Acts as a binder to hold the cheese filling together smoothly.
- Small curd cottage cheese (2 cups): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the cheesy filling.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): Melts beautifully for that gooey, irresistible texture.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, grated, divided): Offers a salty, nutty finish that elevates every bite.
- Dry jumbo pasta shells (20 shells): The perfect vessel to hold all that cheesy deliciousness.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, chopped): A fresh, fragrant garnish to brighten the dish when serving.
How to Make Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and hot for baking later. Meanwhile, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and spray it lightly with nonstick spray to make sure your stuffed shells don’t stick and come out perfect once baked.
Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook the dry jumbo pasta shells until al dente—this usually takes around 8 to 9 minutes. Be careful not to overcook because the shells will bake further later. Once done, drain them well and place the shells upside down on a baking sheet to dry, preventing them from sticking to each other.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground chuck until it’s cooked through and no pink remains. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any rendered fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy and to let the flavors shine.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In that same skillet with the cooked beef, add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook on medium-low until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, infusing the sauce with rich aroma.
Step 5: Simmer the Marinara Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, occasionally stirring. This slow simmer lets the sauce thicken and the flavors meld beautifully with the meat and aromatics.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, mix together the lightly beaten egg, cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan in a medium bowl. This combination makes the creamy filling that will turn every stuffed shell into a cheesy delight.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Pour roughly three-quarters of the meat sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a saucy base. Then carefully stuff each cooked shell with about 1 rounded tablespoon of the cheese mixture and arrange them open-side up over the sauce. Spoon the remaining meat sauce in between the shells—but avoid covering the shells directly—so each one bakes evenly and stays cheesy.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the shells. Bake uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden and bubbly. This final step gives your stuffed shells that irresistible melty top we all crave.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves if you have them on hand. They add a lovely fresh aroma and a vibrant color contrast to your plate. Now, it’s ready to be served and devoured!
How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish that complements the rich flavors perfectly, adding brightness and a subtle herbaceous note. Alternatively, you could sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
To round out this hearty meal, serve your stuffed shells alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also pairs beautifully, offering balance without stealing the spotlight from your star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, arrange the stuffed shells in a circular pattern in your baking dish and place a small basil sprig in the center of each shell. Another fun idea is to bake the shells individually in small ramekins for a personal touch—perfect for dinner parties or date nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed shells store wonderfully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the shells to an airtight container, then refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for an easy next-day meal that’s just as tasty.
Freezing
If you want to save this deliciousness for later, you can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked stuffed shells. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover or thawed stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating individual servings, the microwave works well but watch to avoid overcooking and drying out the cheeses.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground chuck offers great flavor and fat content, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different twist on the Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! To make a vegetarian variant, simply skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or finely chopped roasted vegetables to the cheese filling. Using a robust marinara sauce helps keep the dish full of flavor.
Can I prepare the shells in advance and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep them in the fridge. Just pop them into the oven when ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes if they’re chilled.
What’s the best cheese to use in the filling?
The recipe balances cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan beautifully. Cottage cheese adds creaminess without heaviness, mozzarella melts gorgeously for gooeyness, and Parmesan brings a salty, nutty punch. Feel free to experiment with ricotta instead of cottage cheese if that’s your preference.
How do I know when the pasta shells are perfectly al dente?
Cook them according to package instructions but taste one a minute or two before the instructed time. Al dente means they are tender but still firm to the bite—not mushy. Since they’ll finish cooking in the oven, you want to avoid cooking them too soft in boiling water.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese Recipe has become a beloved go-to for cozy dinners where you want to impress without stress. The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and luscious cheese filling is pure comfort food joy. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it a regular feature on your table—because nothing beats sharing a warm, hearty meal with the people you love.
