Italian Jumbo Shells
Hearty baked jumbo shells filled with savory sausage, hamburger, and cheeses, baked in a rich tomato sauce—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry sausage and hamburger; drain.
- Cook jumbo shells until al dente.
- Cool shells in a single layer on wax paper or foil to prevent sticking.
- Combine all ingredients except spaghetti sauce: cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the cheese and meat mixture and place in the dish, open side down, on the sauce.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the filled shells.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting turkey sausage for the pork sausage. You can also use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you prefer a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Ensure the shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from breaking during filling. This dish is a great way to showcase Italian recipes that are hearty and comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Jumbo Shells with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Coreen'S Ono Skillet Spaghetti for a delightful Italian feast. A glass of red wine complements the flavors perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the filled shells before baking; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake covered at 350°F for about 30 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Jumbo Shells contains roughly 877 calories, with 30g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), and calcium (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1587mg per serving (69% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of sausage?
If you want to avoid using sausage, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite vegetables, along with some Italian seasoning to maintain flavor.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, cool the cooked jumbo shells on wax paper or foil in a single layer. You can also lightly coat them with olive oil after cooking. This will help keep them separate until you're ready to fill them.
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).