Italian Stuffed Shells
Creamy, savory stuffed shells filled with cheese and hearty meat sauce, perfect for family dinners and entertaining, offering rich flavors and comforting bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in 2 cups boiling water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped garlic.
- Stir in the tomato paste, oregano leaves, the bouillon liquid, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes.
- Stuff the cooked jumbo macaroni shells with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding some spinach or herbs to the Ricotta cheese. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. If you don’t have jumbo shells, manicotti works as a great alternative. Don't skip the simmering step; it enhances the flavors significantly, similar to other Italian recipes like Lasagna Italian Style.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian stuffed shells with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Spaghetti With Meat And Tomato Sauce for a hearty Italian feast or can be enjoyed alone as a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the pasta from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Stuffed Shells contains roughly 1669 calories, with 60g protein, 343g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (522% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 918mg per serving (40% 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 stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and meat sauce in advance. Assemble the dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils can be used as alternatives for ground beef. Each option brings its unique flavor and texture, making it easy to customize this recipe to fit your dietary preferences.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.
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).