Go Back

Meat & Cheese Stuffed Shells

A delightful Italian dish combining creamy cheese and savory meat filling in pasta shells, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 475
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 24 large large pasta shells, cooked and cooled These will cradle all the deliciousness inside.
  • 1 recipe Quick Chunky Tomato Sauce This tangy sauce adds moisture and fresh tomato flavor.
  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef Juicy and packed with protein for the filling.
  • 8 oz mozzarella, diced into cubes Adds richness and melty goodness.
  • 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs Provides structure and slight crunch.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese Adds salty, nutty flavor.
  • 4 large eggs Binding agent for the filling.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion Adds depth to the filling.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Provides savory aroma.
  • 2 tsp salt Essential seasoning.
  • 1/2 tsp pepper Essential seasoning.
  • 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 2 tbsp dried parsley Adds freshness and color.
  • 2 tbsp milk Makes a creamy and smooth filling.
  • 1/2-1 cup shredded mozzarella for topping Adds extra layer of cheesy goodness.
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for topping Creates a delicious, golden crust.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Pour about 1/4 cup of the Quick Chunky Tomato Sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced mozzarella, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and milk. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Divide the meat mixture into 24 equal portions and stuff each pasta shell tightly with the meat filling.
  5. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, top with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle extra Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the top.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60-75 minutes.

Notes

For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding to the filling. Try different cheese types in the filling or topping. Add crushed red pepper flakes for some spice.