Sausage Stuffed Shells
Sausage-stuffed shells baked with hearty spaghetti sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese, offering a comforting Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prick the sausage with a fork and cook in a small amount of water in a covered skillet for 5 minutes.
- Drain the sausage.
- Chop the sausage and fry along with chopped onion until brown and crumbly, stirring often.
- Spoon off excess fat.
- Add egg, crumbled bread, and parsley; mix thoroughly.
- Fill hot cooked shells with the sausage mixture.
- Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Arrange the filled shells in the pan.
- Pour remaining sauce over the shells.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey sausage for Italian sweet sausage. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works in a pinch, just use about a tablespoon. Make sure to fully drain the cooked shells to avoid excess water in the baking dish. This dish can also benefit from a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sausage stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. These stuffed shells also pair beautifully with Mostaccioli And Italian Sausage for a delightful Italian dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven method helps retain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Stuffed Shells contains roughly 1456 calories, with 30g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1981mg per serving (86% 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 sausage stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the shells are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the egg in the filling?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or even applesauce (1/4 cup) to help bind the filling together. This works particularly well for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Just make sure to wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions, adding extra time as needed.
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).