Jumbo Shells With Meat
Jumbo shells stuffed with savory meat and cheese, baked to perfection with rich sauce and melted mozzarella—ideal for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells until half done; drain water and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix salt, pepper, half of the Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, garlic, parsley, and seasoned salt.
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion and mushrooms; drain excess fat.
- Combine the cooked beef mixture with the cheese mixture and add the egg.
- Spread 3 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking pan.
- Fill each shell with the meat and cheese mixture and place in the baking pan.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the filled shells.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. To save time, use pre-chopped onions or even frozen chopped vegetables. If you're short on cheese, skip the Parmesan or use a different type of melty cheese for the topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jumbo shells with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light tomato-based salad pairs nicely, enhancing the overall Italian experience. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jumbo Shells With Meat contains roughly 1472 calories, with 35g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (105% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1934mg per serving (84% 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
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can easily create a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils or sautéed mushrooms and spinach. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
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).