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Delicious easy slow cooker stuffed shells with cheese and marinara sauce

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
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
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.