Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells with Savory Meat Sauce

Introduction

Get ready to fall in love with this classic Italian-inspired comfort dish — Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells with Meat Sauce! Each large pasta shell is filled with a hearty, flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat and rich tomato sauce, topped with creamy melted cheese. It’s a dish that tastes like home — warm, cozy, and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving something comforting and cheesy.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• ½ cup water or broth (to thin the sauce if needed)

For the Pasta and Topping

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (slightly firm).
3. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside on a tray so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Drain excess grease if necessary.
6. Stir in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, and parsley. Mix until evenly blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and a little water or broth.
2. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Shells

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the meat mixture.
4. Arrange the filled shells neatly in the baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
6. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Methods

• Boiling: For pasta shells, ensure they’re cooked just right — not too soft to avoid tearing when stuffing.
• Sautéing: Browning the meat enhances the flavor through caramelization.
• Baking: Helps the flavors meld together and melts the cheese perfectly for that golden, bubbly topping.

Benefits

• Rich in protein: Thanks to the meat and cheese filling.
• Comforting and satisfying: Perfect for a wholesome family meal.
• Customizable: Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Freezer-friendly: You can assemble it ahead and freeze for up to 2 months!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Calcium: 25% DV

Conclusion

This Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food — full of flavor, warmth, and cheesy goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress. The tender shells, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese make every bite an unforgettable experience.

**Lovers’ Note **

For cheese lovers — don’t hold back! Add extra mozzarella for that irresistible stretch. For spice lovers — toss in a pinch of crushed chili flakes or Italian sausage for a little kick. However you make it, one thing’s certain: everyone will be coming back for seconds!