Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat: A Delicious and Satisfying Meal
Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this stuffed shells recipe with meat. This classic Italian-American dish is packed with delicious ingredients and is surprisingly easy to make. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfectly cooked and incredibly satisfying meal every time. Get ready to dive into a world of cheesy, meaty goodness!
What Makes This Stuffed Shells Recipe Special?
This isn't your average stuffed shells recipe. We've focused on creating a dish that balances flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Here's what sets it apart:
- A Rich Meat Sauce: We're not skimping on the meat! Our recipe uses a hearty blend of ground meats (beef and pork are recommended, but feel free to experiment!) for a deep, savory flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Shells: We provide tips and tricks to ensure your jumbo pasta shells cook perfectly, preventing breakage and achieving that al dente texture.
- Creamy and Cheesy Filling: The filling isn't just ricotta – we've added parmesan cheese and mozzarella for an extra layer of richness and cheesiness that will melt in your mouth.
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Our detailed instructions, with accompanying images (imagine them here!), will guide you through every step, making this recipe accessible to even novice cooks.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you get started, gather these ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly and Baking:
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Masterpiece
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef and pork in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Cook the Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish (9x13 inch is ideal). Fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, standing them upright.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Let the stuffed shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Don't overfill the shells: This can cause them to break during baking.
- Use a good quality ricotta cheese: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the filling.
- Let the meat sauce simmer: This will allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite vegetables to the meat sauce or filling.
FAQs about Stuffed Shells
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and bake them the next day. Just cover the baking dish and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What kind of cheese can I use? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend of your favorites would be delicious.
- Can I freeze stuffed shells? Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffed shells. Assemble them as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed shells! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
