Easy Stuffed Shells Recipe (With Homemade Italian Sausage) (2024)

This Stuffed Shells recipe features that perfect stuffing! This delicious dish is made with soft pasta shells filled with a tasty mixture of ground beef, mushrooms, and a variety of cheeses, then baked to perfection in a rich roasted garlic pasta sauce.

It's a total crowd-pleaser with its balanced blend of flavors and pleasant textures that will make you want to cook this recipe every night!

The first time my family tried these classic stuffed shells, they were an instant hit. Everyone fell in love with the savory flavors of this dish. And it's so decorative too! Before long, my kids were asking me to make it again and again. They're delicious and fun to eat too, so I decided to post it for you all to enjoy as well.

The taste is somewhere between supreme pizza and lasagna. My special flavorful ingredient is the homemade Italian sausage, which is made from scratch with ground beef and a special seasoning blend.

Cheesy and loaded with vegetable goodness, the mushrooms and bell in this recipe make it tasty and healthy. All you need is a good salad and you have a delicious dinner your kids will ask for seconds and thirds of.

Want to learn how to make this delicious Stuffed Shells recipe? Then keep on reading!

What are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells, also known as conchiglioni, are a sort of pasta dish that consists of big pasta shells stuffed with an incredibly delicious blend of ingredients. Usually, a tasty filling is delicately packed within the al dente pasta shells after they have been boiled.

The filling might vary, but it usually consists of a variety of cheeses, meats, vegetables, and herbs. After stuffing the shells, they are often roasted in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a cozy and fulfilling dish.

For pasta lovers seeking a delicious and filling lunch, stuffed shells are a popular option. They can be served as the main course or as a component of a bigger meal.

What Makes This Stuffed Shells Recipe Special?

Easy: Even though this dish looks incredibly fancy, it's super easy to make and even a beginner can make it easily at home. My recipe is detailed with pictures and will help you make this perfectly.

Family meal: It's the perfect family meal that includes everything the entire family loves including delicious cheeses, seasoned and perfectly cooked ground beef, and the perfect blend of spices.

Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily change up the stuffing or change the spices for the tastiest pasta dish you've ever had!

What You Need to Make Stuffed Shells at Home

All you need are some simple, pantry staple ingredients to make this delicious stuffed shells recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• Pasta shells: This is the star ingredient for this recipe! Pasta shells are the ideal vessel for holding and displaying the flavorful filling.

• Mushrooms:We'll also need some mushrooms. When fresh mushrooms are added to the filling, they give it a savory, earthy taste.
• Mozzarella cheese: You'll also need some mozzarella cheese. It'll provide a creamy and melty texture to the filling for the pasta shells.
• Cheddar cheese: We'll also need some cheddar cheese. It'll give the filling a strong and tangy flavor, bringing depth and complexity to each bite.
• Parmesan cheese:We'll also be using some parmesan cheese. It'll add anutty, salty flavor complements the dish's overall umami flavor perfectly. The grated cheese melts well and forms a crispy, cheesy topping for the packed pasta shells.
• Roasted garlic pasta sauce:For a delicious flavor, we'll be using some roasted garlic pasta sauce. It'll elevate the dish's flavor by infusing the pasta shells with a sweet and smoky undertone.
• Tomato paste:You'll also need some tomato paste. It'll give the meal a concentrated tomato taste, boosting the overall richness and depth of the sauce.
• Cottage cheese: For a delicious creamy flavor, we'll also use some cottage cheese. It'll add a creamy and somewhat sour aspect to the filling, resulting in a delicious texture and flavor contrast.
• Yellow bell pepper:We'll also be using some bell peppers. It'll add a bright pop of color and a delicious flavor.
• Egg:You'll also need an egg. It'll act as the perfect binding agent to keep the filling together while it bakes.

• Ground beef:We'll be using some ground beef to make this delicious stuffed shells recipe. It'll add a delicious meaty filling that'll take the dish to the next level.

For the Seasonings:

• Parsley:You'll also need some parsley. It'll add a fresh and herbaceous accent to the dish, boosting the overall flavor profile.
• Italian seasoning:We'll also need some Italian seasoning. It adds that classic Italian flavor to he filling that'll perfectly complements all the other ingredients.
• Minced garlic: You'll also need some minced garlic. It'll infuse the filling with a strong and aromatic flavor that is delicious and somewhat spicy.
• Minced onions: We'll also use some minced onions. They'll add a slight sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling, complementing the dish's overall savory taste.
• Salt:You'll also need some salt that'll help bring out all the flavors and help balance them out perfectly.
• Black pepper: We'll also need some black pepper and it'll add a gentle spiciness and light heat, creating a pleasing contrast to the other flavors.
• Red pepper flakes: For some extra heat and spice, we'll also be using some red pepper flakes. It'll elevate the dish to the next level and you can easily customize how spicy you want your dish to be.
• Fennel:We'll also be adding some fennel seeds. They'll add a delicious sweetness and aromatic scent that'll perfectly balance the richness of the packed pasta shells.
• Paprika:You'll also need some paprika. It'll add a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, infusing it with a rich, earthy undertone.

How to Make Stuffed Shells (Step-by-Step)

Making this delicious Stuffed Shells recipe is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Start by peeling the mushrooms, then rinse and cut them into small pieces.

Sauté mushrooms on high heat for 5 minutes or so. The mushrooms will release some water. As soon the water evaporates, reduce the heat to medium and sauté for a couple more minutes.

Set aside and let the mushrooms cool until ready for use.

Next, shred all the cheese and mix it together. Cover it with plastic food wrap and refrigerate until ready for use.

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After that, measure out all the Italian sausage ingredients, mix them together, and set aside until ready for use.

To save time, I cook the pasta while I sauté the meat. Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package's label instructions in a large pot. When it's done, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. This prevents the pasta from becoming slimy and sticky.

Cover the pasta with a lid. This will prevent it from drying out while you work on the meat.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large frying pan, then add the ground beef. Sauté the beef on high heat until it releases water and sizzles.

Reduce the heat to medium and add mixed seasonings. Sauté for 5 minutes and stir occasionally.

Add and mix in roasted garlic pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Sauté for 3 more minutes. Set aside and let it cool. The meat should be warm, not hot when adding cheese.

Combine the sautéed and cooled beef, sautéed and cooled mushrooms, diced yellow pepper, cottage cheese, egg, and half of the shredded cheese mixture in a large bowl.

Reserve and refrigerate the other half for topping stuffed shells. Mix everything together carefully, do not mash it.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Stuff each large shell with about ⅓ cup of filling using a spoon and line them in an oven-safe baking dish or casserole dish.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350 F. Remove from the oven, remove the aluminum foil, top the shells with the reserved cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. I personally needed 2 - 10 X 13” pans for 60 jumbo shells.

I cooked one right away and saved one in the fridge, covered with plastic food wrap, for the next day. You may also freeze these shells. If freezing, you will need to freeze some shredded cheese separately.

Defrosting will not be necessary, just extend the cooking time for about 10 minutes. Leave the cheese on the countertop, and it should thaw out while the shells are baking.

Remove from the oven, cover the pan with the foil used earlier, and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving with garlic bread or a side salad.

Your delicious Stuffed Shells recipe is ready to be served!

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Shells Ever

Properly drain the cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be quite watery, so make sure to drain it well before incorporating it into the filling. This will prevent the excess liquid from making the filling too wet and affecting the texture.

Garnish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top of the baked shells. This adds a pop of color, freshness, and a final touch of flavor to the dish.

Let it rest before serving: Allow the baked stuffed pasta shells to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This will help the flavors settle and the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Stuffed Shells

• Seafood variation: Replace ground beef with cooked and flaked seafood, such as crabmeat, shrimp, or lobster. Consider adding a touch of lemon zest and herbs like fresh basil or parsley to complement the seafood flavors. Be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
• Mediterranean variation: Transform the filling by using ingredients inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Use feta or ricotta cheese instead of cheddar, and mix in ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs such as oregano and basil. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
• Spicy Vvriation: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, amp up the spice by adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also incorporate a spicy marinara or arrabbiata sauce instead of the roasted garlic pasta sauce for an extra fiery flavor.
• Vegetarian variation: Skip the ground beef and incorporate a medley of sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions into the filling. You can also add extra cheese or substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tofu for a veggie twist.

How to Store Leftover Stuffed Shells

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, let the shells cool completely and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

You may store the shells in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350F until hot throughout, about 20 minutes.

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This recipe was originally posted onAugust 17, 2016(original picture below), and updated for a better user experience.The post may contain affiliate links. Read mydisclosure.