Stuffed Giant Shells
Giant stuffed shells filled with savory ground beef, cheese, herbs, baked in flavorful sauce—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a comforting Italian flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck, chopped onion, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper until crumbly. Drain and let cool.
- Stir in shredded Mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, and beaten egg into the meat mixture.
- Cook the giant shells until tender, then drain.
- Stuff each shell with the meat mixture.
- Pour 1/4 of the spaghetti sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells side by side in the dish.
- Mix remaining spaghetti sauce with water and pour over the shells.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil into the meat mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, swap the ground chuck for sautéed mushrooms or spinach. If you can't find giant shells, you could use manicotti instead, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed giant shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Prego Miracle Lasagne for a delightful Italian feast. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Giant Shells contains roughly 2079 calories, with 42g protein, 298g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), protein (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2130mg per serving (93% 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 filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before stuffing the shells. This can save you time on a busy weeknight.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can substitute with shredded provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a richer flavor, try using ricotta cheese mixed with some shredded cheese for creaminess.
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).