Best 5 Easy Stuffed Shells Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable selection of stuffed shells recipes, ranging from classic to creative. Embark on a taste sensation with our "Easy Stuffed Shells," featuring tender pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, enveloped in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. For a vegetarian delight, try our "Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells," where sautéed spinach and mushrooms mingle harmoniously with ricotta and Parmesan, nestled in a creamy Alfredo sauce. If you're craving a seafood extravaganza, our "Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Shells" offer a delightful combination of succulent crab and shrimp, embraced by a velvety seafood sauce. Explore the vibrant flavors of our "Mediterranean Stuffed Shells," where sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts dance together in a zesty tomato sauce. And for a touch of spice, our "Mexican Stuffed Shells" infuse a tantalizing blend of ground beef, corn, and black beans, wrapped in a zesty enchilada sauce. Each recipe promises an unforgettable culinary experience, sure to satisfy every palate.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS



Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells image

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

20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1 large egg
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce, divided

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.

EASY STUFFED SHELLS



Easy Stuffed Shells image

I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. -Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 4

36 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
36 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each), thawed
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water., Spread 1/2 cup sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Fill each shell with a meatball; place over sauce. Top with remaining sauce and the cheese., Bake, covered, 35 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 calories, Fat 17g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 711mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

MAKEOVER EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS



Makeover Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells image

Enjoy the convenience of this make-ahead dish or bake right away. Either way, it has half the saturated fat of the original recipe but is just as meaty. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1-1/4 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Italian cheese blend, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Spread 3/4 cup into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and tomato mixture; spoon over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 436mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ITALIAN CHEESE STUFFED SHELLS & EASY MEATBALLS



Italian Cheese Stuffed Shells & Easy Meatballs image

This is my Husbands Favorite meal! It takes some time to make but is well worth the wait and work!

Provided by Linsey Ballard

Categories     Pasta

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 28

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 c chopped fresh mushrooms
1 c finely chopped onion
1 tsp plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
1 1/2 c ricotta cheese
1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, divided
1 1/2 c shredded asiago cheese, divided
1 c shredded parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley, divided
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 c heavy whipping cream
1/2 c chicken broth
1/2 c milk
2 c shredded romano cheese
1 1/2 c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
SAUCE AND MEATBALLS
1 lb ground beef chuck
1 small onion
5 clove garlic chopped
1/2 c rice cereal crumbs, divided
1/2 c milk
1 large egg
6 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
salt to taste
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 jar(s) marinara sauce

Steps:

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat ricotta and 4 ounces cream cheese until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, Parmesan cheese,1 tablespoon parsley, garlic salt,pepper and mushroom mixture. Spoon into shells; place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
  • 3. In a large saucepan, melt remaining butter. Wisk in flour until smooth; gradually add the cream, broth and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and Wisk for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  • 4. Stir in Romano cheese and the remaining cream cheese, Asiago and parsley,wisk untl smooth and melty. Pour over shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly.
  • 5. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion,1 clove of chopped garlic, cereal crumbs, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons parsley and 1 teaspoon salt; shape into eight 2-in. balls.
  • 6. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2nd chopped garlic clove and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Submerge the meatballs in the sauce; bring to a simmer and cook, covered and stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until done. Season with about 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 7. serve together with garlic bread...enjoy :)!!

QUICK AND EASY STUFFED SHELLS



Quick and easy stuffed shells image

You can easily double or triple this recipe, with only the 2 of us I make a smaller amount. You can also add the spices of your choice, more hamburger or none at all. I make this early in the morning or the night before so when I am ready to fix dinner I can just take it out of the refrigerator and pop it in the oven, serve with...

Provided by Gail Herbest

Categories     Beef

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 large size pasta shells
1 c ground beef, cooked and drained
1 jar(s) spaghetti sauce
1 lb cottage cheese
1/2 c mozzeralla cheese ( plus some for top)
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp herbes de provence (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp dried minced onion

Steps:

  • 1. Brown hamburger until no longer pink, drain off grease and add the jar of spaghetti sauce, mix well and set aside
  • 2. boil 12 large pasta shells until Al Dente. drain and set aside
  • 3. In med size mixing bowl mix cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, minced onion and spices
  • 4. Lightly spray 8x8 glass baking dish with non stick cooking spray, spoon 4 Tbsp of the hamburger spaghetti sauce into baking dish and spread around bottom.
  • 5. spoon in each cooked shell approx 1 Tbsp of cottage cheese mixture and place in baking dish side by side until all are filled
  • 6. spoon remaining spaghetti sauce/meat mixture over the top of shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
  • 7. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for approx 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and filled shells are heated through Let set for 10 minutes and serve
  • 8. If I have left over meat/sauce mixture I spoon it around the edges and add a little more to the top

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients, especially for the filling. Fresh herbs and vegetables will give your dish the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the shells. They should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • If you're using a store-bought sauce, doctor it up with some fresh herbs, spices, or a splash of wine.
  • Be generous with the cheese. It's what makes stuffed shells so rich and decadent.
  • Serve stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Conclusion:

Stuffed shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be tailored to your own taste. They're perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a little planning, you can easily make this dish at home. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

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