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–+ servings
Baked stuffed shells with meat sauce in a 9x13in glass dish

Stuff Shells with Meat Sauce

These Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce are a classic baked pasta recipe made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, topped with savory ground beef marinara sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. This easy stuffed shells recipe is the perfect family dinner idea for busy weeknights, freezer meals, or comforting Italian-inspired meals everyone will love.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the pasta and meat sauce:

  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For the cheese filling:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta Shells

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. You want them tender but still firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Meat Sauce

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Drain any excess grease. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can come together.

Prepare the Cheese Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well mixed. This filling should be creamy and thick.
  • Remember to reserve some mozzarella and parmesan for sprinkling on top before baking.

Assemble the Dish

  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to every bite.
  • Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into each cooked shell. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake

  • Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 29gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 640mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
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