Name: Stuffed Shells with Meat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3/4 – 1 lb ground Italian sausage; 3/4 – 1 lb ground beef; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 32 oz ricotta cheese; 2 eggs; 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped; 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 box jumbo shells; 2 cups mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a crowd-pleasing comfort food classic: Stuffed Shells with Meat! This Delicious Recipe wraps rich, cheesy ricotta filling inside tender pasta shells, nestling them in a robust, flavorful meat sauce. Bubbling mozzarella and a final flourish of fresh parsley complete this irresistible Italian-inspired dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just looking to treat yourself, this is the kind of recipe that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Delicious Recipe lies in how just a handful of simple ingredients can create such an impressive, hearty meal. Each component lends a distinct flavor or texture, making every forkful satisfying and memorable.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the peppers to bring out their sweetness.
Red and green bell peppers: These colorful veggies provide a slightly sweet crunch and fresh aroma to the meat sauce.
Ground Italian sausage: Infuses the sauce with savory, herby notes and a touch of spice.
Ground beef: Balances out the sausage and adds heartiness to the meat sauce.
Marinara sauce: The classic tomato base that ties all the ingredients together; opt for a good-quality one if you can!
Garlic and onion powder: These handy seasonings offer robust flavor and depth in both the sauce and filling.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; season to taste.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the filling that makes every bite silky smooth.
Eggs: Acts as a binder for the filling so it bakes up perfectly set and luscious.
Cooked spinach: Gives a fresh, earthy contrast to the rich cheeses and adds vibrant green flecks.
Mozzarella cheese: Both inside the filling for extra meltiness, and on top for that crave-worthy cheese pull.
Shredded Parmesan: Adds nutty, salty depth to the filling—don’t skip it!
Jumbo pasta shells: The perfect pasta shape for stuffing; make sure not to overcook so they hold their shape.
Fresh parsley: A bright, herby finish that makes the whole dish pop with color and freshness.

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Meat

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this way it’ll be at the perfect temperature by the time your stuffed shells are ready to bake. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and set it to a rolling boil for the pasta. You’ll want everything moving smoothly!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but aim to leave them just slightly al dente. You want them sturdy enough to hold all that lovely filling without falling apart. Once they’re cooked, drain and gently toss them with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Meat Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced red and green bell peppers until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally so they don’t brown too much. Next, crumble in the Italian sausage and ground beef, cooking until nicely browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in your marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, then set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Use a big spoon or spatula to mix everything until the filling is well-blended, creamy, and speckled with luscious green spinach. The filling should hold together but still be easy to scoop.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells!

Once your pasta shells are cool enough to handle, carefully fill each one with a few tablespoons of the cheese and spinach mixture. Don’t be shy—make sure the shells are well-packed so you get loads of flavor in every bite. Arrange the filled shells on a plate or tray as you go.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a few spoonfuls of the savory meat sauce on the bottom of a 13-inch baking dish to create a delicious base. Lay the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce, arranging them cozy and close. Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the shells, making sure everything gets a generous coating.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, letting the flavors melt and marry together. Remove the dish from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the top with the remaining two cups of mozzarella cheese. Turn the oven up to 375°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling. For that picture-perfect golden top, pop the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once your stuffed shells are bubbling and beautiful, scatter fresh parsley over the top. Take in the gorgeous colors and irresistible aroma before serving. This Delicious Recipe is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Meat

Garnishes

Finish your Stuffed Shells with Meat with a generous sprinkling of fresh parsley. If you want to dial up the luxury, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. A few turns of black pepper add a nice pop, too!

Side Dishes

This Delicious Recipe pairs beautifully with a vibrant green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or some oven-roasted vegetables. And don’t forget the crusty garlic bread—perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve each stuffed shell in individual ramekins, topped with a swirl of melted cheese for a restaurant-quality touch. For a family-style meal, bake and serve straight from the dish, letting everyone dig in together. Leftovers make an amazing packed lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The stuffed shells will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This Delicious Recipe is made for freezing! Assemble the stuffed shells completely, but hold off on the final bake and cheese topping. Wrap well in plastic and foil, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed and finish with fresh cheese before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the shells with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. For single portions, use the microwave, sprinkling a bit of extra cheese if you like. Always finish with a touch of parsley or parmesan to freshen things up!

FAQs

Can I substitute the meat in this Delicious Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the Italian sausage and ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for a lighter version—just adjust seasonings to your taste.

What’s the best way to cook the pasta shells?

Be sure to cook them just until al dente, as they’ll cook more in the oven. Rinse with cool water after draining to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.

Can this Delicious Recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and beef, and use a chunky vegetable marinara instead. Add extra spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for more texture and flavor.

Can I make the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Definitely. You can fully assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve—no need to change the baking time.

What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a popular substitute, or you can use a mix of softened cream cheese and small-curd cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for that one special dish to wow your loved ones, this Delicious Recipe for Stuffed Shells with Meat is it! The flavors, textures, and those gooey cheese pulls are simply unforgettable. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a regular request at your table—go ahead and give it a try tonight!