Tammy'S Stuffed Shells
Tammy's Stuffed Shells feature tender pasta filled with cheesy goodness, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with savory beef and sausage, perfect for hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. large shell shape pasta ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (2 cups) Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 small container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 to 6 links hot sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- dash of oregano ⓘ
- dash of basil ⓘ
- dash of Italian seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, sausage, onion, green pepper, garlic, and spices in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato paste and peeled tomatoes to the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce for a couple of hours to develop flavors.
- Cook large shell-shaped pasta shells until al dente.
- Mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley flakes, and seasonings to prepare the filling.
- Stuff cooked shells with the cheese mixture.
- Layer shells in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them.
- Bake until heated through and bubbly, approximately 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and sausage. You can also substitute low-fat ricotta and mozzarella to reduce calories. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. To save time, prepare the sauce in advance, as it develops better flavors the longer it simmers. This dish is reminiscent of Miss Mae'S Lasagna, so if you enjoy that, you'll love this too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tammy's Stuffed Shells with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Meat Sauce For Pasta for added richness. For a wine pairing, a light red like Chianti complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tammy'S Stuffed Shells contains roughly 634 calories, with 28g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (92% of the Daily Value), iron (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 839mg per serving (36% 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 freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of pasta can I use instead of shells?
If you don't have large shell pasta, you can use manicotti or even jumbo pasta shells as a substitute. Just ensure to follow the cooking instructions for the specific pasta you choose to ensure the right texture for stuffing.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Simply assemble the stuffed shells, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just pop them in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
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).