Delicious Stuffed Shells with Meat and Sausage
If you’re in search of a scrumptious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further! This stuffed shells recipe brims with flavors and textures that are simply irresistible. With creamy cheeses and a hearty filling, these shells are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Trust me, they’ll impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness: Each shell is stuffed with a delightful blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses, making every bite incredibly cheesy and scrumptious.
- Hearty Meal: With ground beef and sausage, this dish is not only filling but also enriched with protein and flavor, ensuring satisfaction for all.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these tasty shells. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, making dinner planning a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Meat: A delicious blend of beef and sausage gives these shells great texture and flavor.
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: You’ll need one box of jumbo shells—be sure to choose the jumbo size for the best results!
- Marinara Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite pre-made sauce or whip up a quick homemade version!
- Bell Peppers: Chopped bell peppers add a sweet crunch to the filling.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors.
- Cheeses: A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta creates layers of cheesy goodness.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach provides additional texture and a nutritional boost.
- Eggs: These help bind the cheesy filling together beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta Size: Make sure to use jumbo shells for proper stuffing; smaller shells won’t work for this recipe.
- Use a Large Pot for Cooking: Make sure to cook your pasta in a pot that’s larger than you think you need. This prevents the shells from sticking together while they cook.
How to Store and Freeze Stuffed Shells
Got leftovers? No worries! Simply store your remaining stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to use a well-sealed container for freezing.
Make Ahead
Want to get a head start? You can fully assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them and bake directly from frozen—just remember to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and sauté until they become tender. Then, crumble in the ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Once the meat is cooked, mix in your marinara sauce until everything is well combined. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, beaten eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly combined. Stuff each shell generously with this cheesy mixture.
- In a large 13-inch skillet, start by adding a couple of spoonfuls of marinara sauce to coat the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in a ring around the skillet, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top, and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, consider broiling for an extra couple of minutes!
