Cheesy Armadillo Shells
Revamp family dinner with these delightful Cheesy Armadillo Shells! A scrumptious twist on traditional stuffed pasta, these jumbo shells are joyfully filled with a hearty mixture of beef and mild sausage, combined with aromatic marinara sauce and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese. Ideal for picky eaters, these playful 'armadillos' are sure to capture children's imaginations while satisfying their appetites. Serve them warm with a side of garlic bread or salad for a wholesome meal. Plus, these shells freeze exceptionally well, making them a perfect meal-prepping choice for busy weeknights.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1/2 lb (Cooked and crumbled)
Mild ground sausage
1/2 lb (Cooked and crumbled)
Jumbo pasta shells
1 (16 oz) box (Cooked)
Marinara sauce
1 (20 oz) jar (Divided)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (Pre-shredded (finely preferred))
Medium onion
1 (Diced (optional))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Armadillo Shells?
They are a scrumptious twist on traditional stuffed pasta, featuring jumbo shells filled with a mixture of beef, mild sausage, marinara, and mozzarella cheese.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb mild ground sausage.
What size pasta shells are required?
The recipe calls for one 16 oz box of jumbo pasta shells.
How much marinara sauce is needed?
You will need one 20 oz jar of marinara sauce.
Is the marinara sauce used all at once?
No, the instructions specify that the marinara sauce should be divided during the preparation process.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, preferably pre-shredded and finely shredded.
Can I add onions to this recipe?
Yes, one diced medium onion is an optional ingredient that can be added to the mixture.
How should the meat be prepared?
Both the ground beef and the mild ground sausage should be cooked and crumbled before being added to the shells.
Do the pasta shells need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, the jumbo pasta shells should be cooked before they are stuffed with the meat mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is specifically described as kid-friendly and designed to capture children's imaginations.
Can I freeze Cheesy Armadillo Shells?
Yes, these shells freeze exceptionally well, making them an excellent choice for meal-prepping.
What are some recommended side dishes?
These shells are great served warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Yes, because they can be prepped in advance and freeze well, they are ideal for busy schedules.
Can I use hot sausage instead of mild?
While the recipe calls for mild ground sausage, you can substitute hot sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: ground beef, sausage, jumbo shells, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and an optional onion.
Why is it called 'Armadillo' shells?
The name is a playful way to make the stuffed shells more appealing and imaginative for children.
What is the total weight of the meat used?
The recipe uses a total of 1 lb of meat (1/2 lb beef and 1/2 lb sausage).
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the 20 oz jar with an equivalent amount of homemade marinara sauce.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, perfect for family dinners.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish is hearty and cheesy with aromatic Italian flavors from the marinara and sausage.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is recommended for its melting properties, you could experiment with other Italian blends.
Is the onion cooked with the meat?
Generally, if using the optional onion, it is diced and cooked along with the ground beef and sausage.
Is this recipe good for picky eaters?
Yes, the description highlights it as an ideal meal for picky eaters.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, stuffed shells, freezer meal, kid-friendly, cheesy, beef, sausage, easy recipe, and meal prep.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to replace the beef and sausage with a plant-based crumble or extra vegetables.
How should the shells be stored?
They can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen in an airtight container for long-term meal prep.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size is not provided, but a 16 oz box of shells typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Is this a wholesome meal?
Yes, when paired with a side of vegetables or salad, it provides a balanced family dinner.
Does the recipe require many spices?
The primary flavor comes from the seasoned sausage and the jarred marinara sauce, keeping the ingredient list short.