Stuffed Shells - Meat Filled
Juicy meat-filled stuffed shells baked in savory spaghetti sauce topped with melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo shells, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb ground pork ⓘ
- 4 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 cup flavored bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions.
- Drain the shells and cool them on wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef and ground pork in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Combine the cooked meat, eggs, bread crumbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped onion, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the meat mixture.
- Spread half of the spaghetti sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the sauce in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter filling, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. You can also add chopped spinach or ricotta cheese to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of preparing your own spaghetti sauce. Remember to slightly undercook the shells to prevent them from becoming mushy while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. These stuffed shells also pair beautifully with Rich Tomato Beef Sauce Served Over Pasta for a heartier option. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Shells - Meat Filled contains roughly 1471 calories, with 51g protein, 241g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (212% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg per serving (82% 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 shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground veal and pork for a different flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using a mixture of sautéed vegetables, lentils, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Stuffed shells freeze well. After assembling them, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through.
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).