Suzie'S Stuffed Shells
Savory stuffed shells filled with a hearty mixture of hamburger, eggs, tomato soup, and mozzarella, baked to perfection—an inviting dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook large shells in a large pan until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- In a skillet, brown the hamburger with diced onion, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Drain excess grease from the hamburger.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked hamburger, eggs, tomato soup, and 1 to 2 cups of mozzarella cheese; mix well.
- Stuff the cooked shells with the meat mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour Prego spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs to the hamburger mixture. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of hamburger. You can also substitute ricotta cheese for the mozzarella in the filling for a creamier texture. Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Italian Pork Roast or Spaghetti Alla Bacon for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Suzie'S Stuffed Shells contains roughly 1273 calories, with 23g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1455mg per serving (63% 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 store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning as needed since store-bought sauces may already contain salt and spices.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they're 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).