Introduction
Pasta shells stuffed with meat sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of savory meat sauce with the satisfying texture of tender pasta.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions when you want to impress guests with a homemade meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
The beauty of stuffed pasta shells lies in their versatility. The large shells hold a generous portion of meat sauce and can be customized with a variety of ingredients.
like cheese, herbs, and vegetables. Whether you’re using ground beef, turkey, or a blend of meats, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To make pasta shells stuffed with meat sauce, here are the typical ingredients you’ll need:
For the Meat Sauce:
Ground beef or pork (about 1 lb / 450g)
Onion, finely chopped (1 medium)
Garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
Tomato sauce (1 can or about 2 cups)
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, optional for chunkier sauce)
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
Italian seasoning (1-2 teaspoons)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons, for sautéing)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sugar (a pinch, to balance acidity, optional)
For the Stuffed Shells:
Large pasta shells (about 20-25 shells)
Ricotta cheese (1 ½ cups)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 ½ cups)
Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup)
Egg (1, to bind the filling)
Fresh basil (optional, finely chopped)
Salt and pepper (for the filling)
For Baking:
Mozzarella cheese (more shredded, for topping)
Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
You can adjust the quantities based on the number of servings you need!
Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, cook the pasta shells.
according to the package instructions, usually boiling them in salted water for about 9-11 minutes.
Once done, drain and set aside to cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as you want the shells to hold their shape when stuffed.
Next, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Add chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper, then mix everything until well combined. This creamy mixture will add richness to the dish and complement the savory meat sauce.
Once the meat sauce has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Meanwhile.
take each pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the meat and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, making sure each shell is packed with flavor.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, placing them in a single layer.
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells, ensuring that each one is covered. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy, golden finish.
Bake the stuffed shells in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling.
around the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
To make the dish, start by boiling the pasta shells to al dente. Once the pasta is ready, prepare the meat sauce by browning.
the ground beef or turkey with onions and garlic, followed by the addition of crushed tomatoes. This combination will create a robust base for the stuffed shells.
In the meantime, mix together the cheeses and herbs for the stuffing, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
Once the sauce is cooked and the shells are prepared, stuff each shell with the meat and cheese mixture.
Layer the bottom of a baking dish with some of the marinara sauce, then place the stuffed shells on top.
Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted and the dish is bubbling with deliciousness.
Tips
For an even richer flavor, you can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra depth.
You can also swap the ricotta for a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly tangier filling.
If you’re looking to make the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the stuffed shells the night before and refrigerate them.
Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as usual.
You can also experiment with different cheeses for the filling. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using goat.
cheese or Gruyère alongside the ricotta and mozzarella. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you like your dishes a little spicier.
For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken and low-fat cheese options.
You can also swap out the marinara sauce for a homemade version with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
Make sure to fully stuff each shell to maximize the flavors in every bite. If you have any leftover stuffing or sauce, you can serve it on the side or even add it to the dish for extra layers of flavor.
For added color and freshness, garnish the baked shells with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. This will brighten up the dish and add a touch of freshness.
If you want a crispy top, uncover the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, but this step will give your dish an appealing, golden crust.
Conclusion
Pasta shells stuffed with meat sauce is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
It’s perfect for family gatherings or a special meal, offering both rich flavors and a satisfying presentation.
With its versatility and the ability to customize it to your taste, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.
Whether enjoyed as a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser at a party, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.