Hearty Stuffed Shells & Meatball Bake

Satisfy your cravings with this Hearty Stuffed Shells & Meatball Bake Easy Recipe! Delight in tender pasta shells filled with a savory meat mixture, topped with rich marinara and gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow our simple steps and bring warmth to your table. Click through to discover the complete recipe and impress your loved ones with this comforting meal!

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Ingredients

20 large pasta shells

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, then place them in a greased baking dish.

Layer the Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Then, add the cooked meatballs on top (you can form them using the leftover ground meat mixture, seasoned and baked separately beforehand). Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and stuffed shells.

Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6