Marie Hardegree'S Jumbo Stuffed Shells
Jumbo stuffed shells filled with seasoned meat and cheese, baked in savory sauce, offering hearty flavors perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
- Drain the cooked meat on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion in oil.
- Add 1/2 cup grated cheese, cooked meat, chopped garlic, and enough spaghetti sauce to cover the meat; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the jumbo manicotti shells according to package directions.
- Stuff each shell with the meat mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Cover the shells with remaining spaghetti sauce and grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, substitute the ground beef or chicken with pre-cooked sausage or a meat alternative. Ensure you don't overcook the shells; they should be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. You can also use ricotta cheese for a creamier stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jumbo stuffed shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Pasta Italiana Bake or can be complemented with a light tomato basil soup for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven method retains better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie Hardegree'S Jumbo Stuffed Shells contains roughly 791 calories, with 24g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value) and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% 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 the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will go into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using sautéed vegetables or a blend of ricotta and spinach as the filling for a delicious twist.
How can I prevent the shells from sticking together?
To prevent the shells from sticking, toss them gently with a little olive oil after cooking and draining. This also adds flavor. Additionally, make sure to spread some sauce in the baking dish before adding the stuffed shells to create a non-stick surface.
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).