Baked Shells
Creamy baked pasta with seasoned meat, melted mozzarella, and flavorful sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with hearty, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 lb medium shells or ziti, cooked 6 minutes and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz) jar meatless spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tablespoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 cup water or chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cheeses and set aside.
- Brown ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic in a large skillet or saucepan.
- Add spaghetti sauce, water or chicken broth, and oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of sauce to the cooked shells.
- Spread half of the shell sauce mixture in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Top with half of the cheese mixture and half of the remaining sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining sauce on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove foil when mixture is hot and bubbly, and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef or sausage. You can also use whole-grain pasta for added nutrition. If you prefer a veggie-packed dish, try adding spinach or mushrooms to the sauce. This Baked Shells recipe can be customized by using different cheeses, such as ricotta or provolone, for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Baked Shells alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful pairing, consider a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with Marvelous Minestrone for a hearty Italian dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Shells contains roughly 765 calories, with 31g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (134% of the Daily Value), calcium (114% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% 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 Baked Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Shells up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze Baked Shells?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding a little extra time if needed.
What can I substitute for the meat?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Additionally, you can add more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to enhance the dish's flavor. Try Easy Going Minestrone for more vegetable inspirations.
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).