Stuffed shells with meat

Here’s a classic Stuffed Shells with Meat recipe—cheesy, filling, and perfect for dinner 🍝🧀

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Stuffed Shells with Meat

Ingredients

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or half & half)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or basil

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Instructions

1. Cook the shells
   Boil shells in salted water until just al dente.
   Drain and rinse with cool water so they don’t stick.
2. Cook the meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat.
   Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   Drain excess grease.
3. Make the filling
   In a bowl, mix:
   • Cooked meat
   • Ricotta
   • Egg
   • Parmesan
   • 1 cup mozzarella
   • Optional herbs
4. Assemble
   Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
   Stuff each shell with the meat-cheese mixture and place in dish.
   Spoon remaining sauce over shells.
5. Top & bake
   Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
   Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
   Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
6. Rest & serve
   Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips & Variations

• Add spinach to the filling for extra veggies.
• Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist.
• Make ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

If you want a simpler version, no-ricotta option, or spicy stuffed shells, I can adjust it for you 😊