Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Creamy stuffed jumbo shells filled with savory beef and walnut mixture, baked with rich spaghetti sauce and Parmesan cheese for a hearty, family-friendly Italian dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare shells as label directs; drain well and set aside.
- Heat salad oil in a skillet, then add ground beef, minced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, salt, and pepper; cook until meat is well browned.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and half of the spaghetti sauce.
- Stuff each shell with a rounded tablespoonful of the meat mixture.
- Reserve the remaining meat mixture for later use.
- Spoon 1 cup of spaghetti sauce into a 10 x 2-inch casserole dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining meat mixture.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add spinach or ricotta for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pasta sauce. Make sure to cook the shells al dente, as they will continue to soften while baking. This recipe works well for freezing, so consider making a double batch and storing some for later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed jumbo shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Delicious Lasagne or Pam'S Working-Woman'S Lasagna. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. Consider offering a light red wine to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. You can also microwave them in individual servings for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Jumbo Shells contains roughly 1629 calories, with 24g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 jumbo shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shells and stuffing in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of walnuts in this recipe?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer not to use them, you can substitute with chopped pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will provide a different flavor but will still add a nice crunch to the filling.
How do I prevent the shells from breaking while cooking?
To prevent the shells from breaking, make sure to cook them in plenty of salted water until al dente. Avoid overcooking and gently stir them occasionally while boiling. Let them cool slightly before handling to reduce the risk of breakage.
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).