Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal? Try making Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat! This dish is packed with flavors and is perfect for busy days or family gatherings. Just prepare it in the morning, and it will be ready for dinner with minimal effort. You may also find 15 Asian Slow Cooker Recipes With Bold Flavors useful.

Why Make This Recipe

There are several reasons why you will love this recipe. First, it is easy to make and requires simple ingredients. Second, the stuffed shells are hearty and satisfying, making them a great choice for any meal. Lastly, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to blend beautifully, giving you a rich and tasty dish. You may also find Best Slow Cooker Enchilada Meatballs useful.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat

This recipe involves stuffing jumbo pasta shells with a rich cheese mixture and ground beef or sausage, then cooking them in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s a simple yet rewarding process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 pound ground beef or sausage
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the fat.
4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the slow cooker.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are heated through.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat

You can serve these stuffed shells with a side salad for a complete meal. Another idea is to pair them with garlic bread for a true Italian experience. If you want to add a bit of spice, try drizzling some hot sauce over the top.

How to Store Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them up in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat

Here are some helpful tips for this recipe. First, to enhance the flavor, consider adding more Italian seasoning to your meat mixture. Secondly, if you want extra creaminess, you can add some cream cheese to the cheese mixture. Lastly, serve these stuffed shells with a generous amount of marinara sauce to keep them moist.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, you can try using sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor. Another great idea is to add spinach or other veggies to the cheese mixture for added nutrition. You can also switch up the cheeses by using a blend of mozzarella and provolone.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

How long can I keep leftovers? Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure they’re stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze these stuffed shells? Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after cooking. Just ensure they are well wrapped for best results.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat are an easy and delicious meal option. You can explore more variations of stuffed shells, such as this recipe with meat or try a different twist with this sausage and spinach version. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat

A comforting and delicious dish made with jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich cheese mixture and ground meat, cooked in marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 jar marinara sauce

Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Reserve half for topping
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef or sausage

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the fat.

Assembly

1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are heated through.
2. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve these stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread. For extra creaminess, consider adding cream cheese to the cheese mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.