**Meat-Filled Stuffed Shells: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors and Textures**
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our enticing Meat-Filled Stuffed Shells, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These delectable pasta parcels, crafted with tender jumbo pasta shells, are generously filled with a savory combination of ground beef, aromatic Italian sausage, and a blend of herbs and spices that dance on your palate. Immersed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, each bite is a harmonious marriage of juicy meat, velvety cheese, and tangy tomato. As you delve deeper into this culinary masterpiece, you'll encounter two irresistible variations: the classic Meat-Filled Stuffed Shells and the vegetarian-friendly Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells. Both dishes offer a unique symphony of flavors, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.
EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS
Here's a rich and comforting dish that's terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these stuffed shells with meat sauce. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h30m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and spaghetti sauce; pour over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 405 calories, Fat 22g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 730mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
BASIC CHEESE FILLED STUFFED SHELLS-OAMC
Just the basic cheese filled stuffed shells recipe you get off the back of the box, adjusted slightly for OAMC. The prep time is long but it's well worth it to pull them out of the freezer weeks from now and have an easy and quick meal.
Provided by e_lizard_owen
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h5m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook noodles according to directions on box.
- Combine all other ingredients.
- Fill each shell with about 2 tbsp cheese mixture.
- Place in foil lined 9x13 pan in a single layer. Wrap in foil and freeze.
- When fully frozen, you can remove the foil wrapped shells from the pan so it takes up less space. When ready to eat, place in same pan.
- To serve, thaw. Cover with spaghetti sauce and recover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 452.9, Fat 22.9, SaturatedFat 13.2, Cholesterol 131.1, Sodium 635.1, Carbohydrate 34.8, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 4.9, Protein 26
THE BEST STUFFED SHELLS
Here's our upgrade on the Italian-American comfort food classic. We used three different cheeses to get the ultra-creamy filling just right. It really balances the tangy homemade tomato sauce.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- For the marinara sauce: Heat the oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic has softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, add the basil and dried oregano, partially cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 45 minutes.
- Remove the basil sprig. If the sauce is still too chunky, mash the larger chunks of tomato with a potato masher. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- For the shells and filling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the dried pasta shells cook, stirring occasionally, until softened slightly but not cooked. (The pasta shells should flexible enough to be filled but remain very al dente; they will continue to cook during baking.) Drain, then run under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well again.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley and egg in a large bowl until well combined and uniform. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer the filling to a large disposable pastry bag or large resealable plastic bag (or use a spoon for filling directly from the bowl).
- Spread 2 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Snip off the end of the pastry bag and squeeze the filling into the shells one at a time. Arrange the shells open-side up in a tight single layer in the baking dish as you fill them. Top with the remaining marinara sauce. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake the shells until the sauce is bubbling throughout and the filling is heated through, about 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil from the pan and continue to bake for 10 more minutes to reduce the sauce. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
MEAT LOVERS' PIZZA-STUFFED SHELLS
Spicy sausage, smoky bacon, ground beef and pepperoni turn your average stuffed shells into a gooey, meaty meat lovers' pizza-inspired pasta bake that kids and adults alike can get on board with for dinner.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, egg, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Fold to combine; set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Heat a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and brown, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.
- Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into large chunks, until brown, about 5 minutes. Remove half the sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon to a plate and reserve.
- Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet and cook until the beef is brown and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the marinara sauce and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer while you stuff the shells.
- Divide the ricotta filling among the shells. Arrange the shells filling-side up in the skillet on top of the sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella, the pepperoni and reserved sausage and bacon. Bake until the cheese is melted and the toppings are browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan, oregano and red pepper flakes before serving.
TERRIFIC TOFU STUFFED SHELLS
These are a fantastic substitute for the regular ricotta cheese-filled stuffed shells! My dairy-eating mother said she wouldn't have guessed they were made with tofu if I hadn't told her. I halved this recipe and baked it in an 8x8 square dish and it worked great, although I did have leftover sauce and stuffing mixture. I also omitted the mozzarella soy cheese because I didn't have any on hand, and let me tell you, it isn't really necessary! The original recipe only called for a few spices, but I liberally added more and they gave the tofu mixture a great flavor. Feel free to add more of your own! This is great with a salad and crusty bread. I got the recipe from mleonard on the IBS message boards at www.helpforibs.com, although I tweaked it a little.
Provided by Kree6528
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 45m
Yield 1 9x13 inch pan
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Boil the pasta shells according to the directions on the package.
- When cooked, strain and place in cool water or on wax paper; set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray and spoon approximately 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the pan.
- Shred soy mozzarella cheese in a bowl (if not already shredded).
- Add the tofu, soy parmesan, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, parsley, and any additional spices desired.
- Mix until thoroughly combined (the recipe says a hand mixer works great, but I used my hands).
- Stuff each shell with approximately 2 Tbsp of the soy mixture (I used a mellon baller to stuff).
- Place the stuffed shells in the baking pan.
- Drizzle a little of the spaghetti sauce over each shell.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes and serve.
- Note: This is totally dairy-free if you use vegan soy cheeses; otherwise it contains the milk protein casein.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 2269.4, Fat 42.1, SaturatedFat 6.3, Sodium 5177.4, Carbohydrate 359.9, Fiber 14.9, Sugar 84, Protein 106.8
MEGA MEAT-STUFFED SHELLS
Make and share this Mega Meat-Stuffed Shells recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Meat
Time 42m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place the frozen spinach on a plate and defrost in the microwave on HIGH for 6 minutes.
- Wring the spinach dry in a clean towel.
- While the spinach is in the microwave, preheat the oven to 425° and, in a large covered pot, bring the water to a boil for the shells.
- Salt the boiling water and cook the shells for 6-7 minutes; they should still be firm at the center; drain.
- Drizzle them with oil and set aside in a shallow baking dish.
- While the pasta is working, brown the meat over medium to med-high heat in 1 tablespoon oil.
- Add the chopped garlic and onions to the meat; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; and cook the mixture for 5 minutes more.
- Transfer the meat to a bowl; add the spinach and mix them together.
- Add the egg, bread crumbs, and half the cheese and combine.
- Fill the shells with the meat mixture and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, then bake for 11-12 minutes to set the filling in the shells and crisp the pasta at the edges.
- While the shells bake, heat the remaining tablespoon oil in a small pot over low heat with the halved garlic clove and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the garlic, add the red pepper flakes, and cook for a minute more, then stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the basil.
- Pour 1/2 cup of sauce on each dinner plate and top it with 4 shells.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1006.6, Fat 67.1, SaturatedFat 26, Cholesterol 306.3, Sodium 1672.1, Carbohydrate 29, Fiber 7.2, Sugar 8.7, Protein 72.5
MEAT STUFFED JUMBO SHELLS
I found this recipe on the back of the San Giorgio jumbo shells box. I've tried a lot of other stuffed shells recipes but I always come back to this one. My hubby loves it and asks for this as his special birthday meal every year. Enjoy!
Provided by DragonIady
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h45m
Yield 36 shells, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Cool in single layer on foil or wax paper.
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Meanwhile, in large skillet, brown meat; drain.
- In large bowl, stir together meat, eggs, bread crumbs, mozzarella cheese (if desired), onion, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons meat filling.
- Spread thin layer of sauce on bottom of 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
- Place filled shells in prepared baking dish; cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
ARMADILLOS (STUFFED JUMBO SHELLS) OAMC
I adapted this recipe from traditional stuffed shells recipes because my DH and I do not like ricotta cheese. This is a GREAT recipe for kids who are picky eaters (kids think it is fun because they actually look like little armadillos!) and my nephew loves these. Great served with garlic bread or salad. Freezes well also.
Provided by NICU Nurse Dee
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 40m
Yield 24-30 armadillos, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook meats together (and optional onion) - be sure not to leave too many large pieces. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Bring large kettle of water to boil and add shells. After about a minute turn heat down to medium and continue to boil - this will help keep your shells from breaking apart.
- Set aside about a cup of the marinara sauce.
- Drain noodles and rinse with cool water. Allow to dry slightly.
- After meat has cooled, add remaining marinara sauce and and 1 1/2 cups cheese. The cheese should not melt if you allowed the meat to cool properly. This mixture should be at least as thick as pudding.
- Spray the bottom of your cooking pan ( I use an 8x8 Oven Gladware - best invention ever!). One at a time fill each shell with a spoonful of mixture. (This is easiest if you squeeze the ends of the shell to open it like a coin purse) Place each filled shell in the pan, seam down (this is why they look like armadillos!). I can get about 15 shells in an 8x8 pan, don't be afraid to pack them close together. When all the shells are filled there I usually have a little mixture leftover. Add the remaining marinara to make a thinner sauce and spread over the top. Add the remaining mozzarella on top. At this point you can cover, label and freeze or cook at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes - enough to heat everything through.
- *Freezer Directions: It is best to thaw in the fridge, but in a pinch you can warm slowly in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Then cook at 350 for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!*.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 667, Fat 26.7, SaturatedFat 10.8, Cholesterol 74.2, Sodium 1166.2, Carbohydrate 70.7, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 11.3, Protein 33.6
MAKE AHEAD STUFFED SHELLS (OAMC)
A Stuffed Shell recipe where you DO NOT cook the shells! They always split and broke on me so this is a much easier method. For even easier pasta stuffing, crumble the meat into small chunks and put the cheese/meat mix into a zip top bag with a quarter sized hole cut into a corner for piping. I like to put this recipe together in the small aluminum loaf pans with a bit of extra sauce and freeze them 2 servings at a time.
Provided by Easy Baker
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 10 3 shell servings, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Brown turkey over medium high heat and crumble into small pieces. Season with salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce. Set aside to cool.
- Combine Tomato sauces, tomato paste and 1 tbsp basil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine Ricotta, cottage cheese and two eggs. Add in the last of the basil.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with tomato sauce. Stuff the uncooked pasta shells with cheese/meat filling and rest shells in tomato sauce. Repeat until you have run out of shells and filling (this may take more than one box of shells and will require 2 9x13 pans).
- Top pasta shells with shredded cheese. Cover and freeze for 2 months, or, bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes. You can bake this from frozen for about 50 minutes (altitude and oven types will vary).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 647.6, Fat 27.8, SaturatedFat 13.4, Cholesterol 141.2, Sodium 1421.3, Carbohydrate 60.5, Fiber 6.8, Sugar 22, Protein 39.1
STUFFED SHELLS III
This recipe is a hit wherever you go. It is a very rich and cheesy meal and looks like a deep-dish pizza when done. I altered what I was originally given because I did not like cottage cheese and added other ingredients that I thought it deserved.
Provided by Renee
Categories Main Dish Recipes Stuffed Main Dish Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, mushrooms and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells.
- Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.7 g, Cholesterol 115.6 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.9 g, Sodium 1544.2 mg, Sugar 9.3 g
LAHMATZOUN
Make and share this Lahmatzoun recipe from Food.com.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 28m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Saute the beef, onions and spices in the olive oil until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Season to taste.
- Stir in parsley.
- Mix the butter together with the egg to make a spread.
- Spread the 4 pites with this mixture.
- Distribute the meat mixture evenly amongst the 4 pites and press down well with palm of hand so that it adheres to the pites.
- Don't make the layer too thick.
- Preheat oven to 420°F.
- Bake pites for 5-8 minutes.
- Remove, top with 2 slices of tomato each and roll each pita up (use a sheet of aluminum foil to wrap around outside).
- Enjoy!
- Note. To freeze whole: Cool. Freeze whole between layers of waxed paper or foil. Omit tomatoes. To reheat: place in a single layer and heat at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. top with tomatoes and serve. OR Freeze meat mixture in a freezer bag. Thaw in fridge. Proceed with recipe.
Tips:
- Use a large pot: The shells will need plenty of room to cook evenly.
- Don't crowd the shells: Cook the shells in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Cook the shells until they are al dente: The shells should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to them.
- Drain the shells well: Before filling the shells, be sure to drain them well so that they don't water down the filling.
- Use a variety of fillings: Get creative with your fillings! You can use a classic ricotta and spinach filling, or try something different like a pesto and chicken filling or a sausage and kale filling.
- Bake the shells until they are golden brown: The shells should be baked until they are golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the shells cool slightly before serving: This will make them easier to handle and prevent the filling from spilling out.
Conclusion:
Meat-filled stuffed shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meat-filled stuffed shells a try!
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