Awesome Stuffed Shells
Delicious stuffed shells filled with a savory beef and cottage cheese mixture, topped with cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil extra large pasta shells until al dente, then drain and coat lightly with olive oil.
- Fry ground beef (or sausage and beef) with 1 chopped green onion, garlic, and mushrooms until cooked.
- Cool the beef mixture and drain any excess liquid.
- Mix the beef mixture with cottage cheese, 1 chopped green onion, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper to taste, and egg.
- Stuff the mixture into the cooked shells.
- Pour half a jar or can of marinara or spaghetti sauce into a glass casserole dish.
- Place the stuffed shells into the sauce in the casserole dish.
- Cover the shells with the remaining sauce.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding ricotta cheese or swapping cottage cheese with mascarpone. If you're out of green onions, finely chopped onions or shallots will work well too. If you want extra flavor, sauté some spinach or bell peppers with the beef mixture. To make it a vegetarian dish, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables or lentils. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed shells are best served hot, topped with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Pair with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also go well with garlic bread or Italian Crescent Casserole for a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Awesome Stuffed Shells contains roughly 66 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead. Assemble them in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier option. For a vegetarian version, try a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and lentils, which will provide a hearty texture and flavor.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! After assembling, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).