If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy, then Cheesy Stuffed Shells is your answer. This recipe combines the richness of ricotta cheese, the deliciousness of pasta shells, and the comforting warmth of a hearty tomato sauce. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Not only that, but it’s versatile enough to be made in a Crockpot for added convenience. In this article, we will explore how to make this dish, along with variations that can suit your preferences.
What Are Jumbo Stuffed Shells?
Jumbo stuffed shells are large pasta shells that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Traditionally, they are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, often seasoned with herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic. These shells are then baked in a tomato-based marinara sauce, which absorbs the flavors of the filling, making each bite an explosion of cheesy, savory goodness.
The beauty of Jumbo Stuffed Shells is their versatility. You can get creative with the fillings, adding ground meat, spinach, or even making them vegetarian-friendly. However, the classic ricotta stuffing is by far the most popular choice.
Why Cheesy Stuffed Shells Are a Family Favorite
Cheesy Stuffed Shells are a staple in Italian-American cuisine and for a good reason. They offer a combination of rich, cheesy flavor with a hearty, satisfying texture. They are also easy to make in large batches, which makes them perfect for feeding a family or hosting a dinner party. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced chef, Cheesy Stuffed Shells are easy to prepare and are sure to please everyone at the table.
The ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Shells are simple and straightforward, which makes it an ideal dish for those looking for Dinner Recipes Quick And Easy. With only a few ingredients like Jumbo Stuffed Shells, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Shells
To make Cheesy Stuffed Shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells – This is the foundation of your dish. Jumbo shells are perfect for stuffing and can hold a generous amount of filling.
- Ricotta cheese – The creamy, rich texture of ricotta is what makes the filling so delicious. You can also use a mix of ricotta and mozzarella for added cheesiness.
- Mozzarella cheese – Both shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella work well in this dish. Mozzarella helps create the gooey, cheesy texture that everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a sharp, savory flavor to the stuffing.
- Egg – The egg helps bind the ricotta filling together, so it stays in place when stuffed into the shells.
- Marinara sauce – A rich tomato sauce, preferably homemade or a high-quality store-bought option, adds flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Herbs and spices – Fresh basil, oregano, garlic, and salt bring out the flavors of the dish and add authenticity to the Italian flavors.
- Spinach or ground meat (optional) – For added nutrition or extra protein, you can choose to include spinach, ground beef, turkey, or sausage in your stuffing mixture.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Making Cheesy Stuffed Shells is easier than you might think. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish:
- Cook the Jumbo Shells: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the jumbo shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm but not too hard). Drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a beaten egg. Add in the dried herbs (basil and oregano) and some minced garlic. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well-combined. If you are adding spinach or ground meat, now is the time to incorporate them into the filling.
- Stuff the Shells: Once the shells have cooled slightly, take each shell and stuff it with the cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but make sure the shells are not overstuffed to avoid them breaking. Place each stuffed shell into a baking dish.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour a generous amount of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, covering each shell with a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the Cheesy Stuffed Shells in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with a side salad or a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Making Cheesy Stuffed Shells in a Crockpot
For an even easier way to prepare this dish, you can make Cheesy Stuffed Shells in a Stews Crockpot. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. Here’s how:
- Cook the Jumbo Shells: Just as in the traditional method, cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spices in a bowl, just like in the regular recipe.
- Stuff the Shells: Stuff the cooked shells with the ricotta mixture.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Pour some marinara sauce at the bottom of the Crockpot, then layer the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Once the shells are fully cooked and bubbly, serve them hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and enjoy.
Variations of Cheesy Stuffed Shells
While the traditional Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Instead of using ground meat, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese filling for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Meat Lovers Stuffed Shells: If you love meat, try adding ground beef, sausage, or turkey to your ricotta filling for a more substantial dish.
- Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: Incorporate fresh spinach into your ricotta mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
- Seafood Stuffed Shells: For a more luxurious version, stuff the shells with a mixture of ricotta and seafood, like shrimp or crab, for a deliciously decadent meal.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Jumbo shells can tear easily if overcooked, so make sure to cook them just until al dente. This will ensure they hold their shape when stuffed and baked.
- Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is a crucial component of the dish, so opt for a good-quality store-bought version or make your own at home.
- Let the Shells Rest: Once the Cheesy Stuffed Shells come out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce and cheese to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Conclusion
Cheesy Stuffed Shells are a classic and comforting dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner after a busy day or a dish to impress your guests, Stuffed Shells Ricotta combined with a rich marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With options to make it in a Crockpot or even add your favorite fillings, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your tastes. For lovers of Italian Food Pasta and fans of the Best Pasta Dishes, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and again.
