Baked Stuffed Macaroni Shells
Creamy stuffed macaroni shells baked with seasoned meat sauce and cheese, offering rich flavors perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- a sprinkle of nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz jumbo macaroni (18 shells) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook chopped onion, minced garlic, and hamburger until meat is browned.
- Pour off any excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread 2 1/2 cups of the tomato sauce mixture in a baking dish.
- Fill each cooked macaroni shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Top the shells with the remaining sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider substituting ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. If you're short on time, use pre-made pasta sauce instead of making your own. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen for a quick meal later, similar to Lazy Day Overnight Lasagne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked stuffed macaroni shells with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a touch of color and flavor. This meal pairs beautifully with Mel'S Spaghetti Sauce for an Italian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Stuffed Macaroni Shells contains roughly 449 calories, with 19g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2433mg per serving (106% 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 this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You could also use a meat substitute if you prefer a protein-rich filling. The tomato sauce and cheese will still provide great flavor.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
To prevent the shells from sticking, make sure to cook them in plenty of salted boiling water. After draining, toss them lightly with a bit of olive oil and spread them out on a baking sheet to cool. This will help keep them separate until you fill them.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while jumbo shells are traditional for this recipe, you can use other pasta shapes like manicotti or even large conchiglie. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different shapes may require varied boiling times.
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).