Savory Meat-Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Indulge in these savory meat-stuffed jumbo shells that are packed with flavors and perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. This recipe, a cherished favorite in our household, features a delightful blend of ground beef and pork married with aromatic herbs and spices. The shells are generously filled with a hearty meat mixture and bathed in rich spaghetti sauce, creating a comforting dish that your loved ones will request time and again. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a side of garlic bread for an unforgettable meal cherished by all, especially on birthdays!
12
Servings
240
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
San Giorgio jumbo pasta shells
12 ounces (uncooked)
ground beef
1 pound (browned and drained)
ground pork
1 pound (browned and drained)
eggs
4 (slightly beaten)
flavored dry breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (none)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (optional)
finely chopped onion
3/4 cup (none)
dried oregano leaves
3/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
spaghetti sauce
3 cups (about a 28-oz jar)
grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente; once cooked, drain and lay them in a single layer on foil or wax paper to cool.
3
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and pork over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned meats, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, optional mozzarella cheese, chopped onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
5
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat filling into each shell, packing them generously.
6
Spread a thin layer of the spaghetti sauce across the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
7
Carefully place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, and then pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
8
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheese (if used) is melted.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your delicious meat-stuffed jumbo shells!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
18g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Meat-Stuffed Jumbo Shells, a hearty pasta dish filled with ground beef and pork.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What meats are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of one pound of ground beef and one pound of ground pork.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the stuffed shells need to bake?
The shells should bake for 45 minutes or until the dish is hot and bubbly.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What type of pasta is required?
You will need 12 ounces of uncooked jumbo pasta shells, such as the San Giorgio brand.
How should I prepare the pasta shells before stuffing?
Boil the shells until al dente according to package directions, then drain and lay them in a single layer on foil or wax paper to cool.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
What kind of sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of spaghetti sauce, which is roughly equivalent to a 28-oz jar.
Do I need to cook the meat before stuffing the shells?
Yes, you must brown the ground beef and ground pork in a skillet and drain the excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.
Are there eggs in the filling mixture?
Yes, the recipe uses 4 slightly beaten eggs to help bind the meat mixture.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of flavored dry breadcrumbs.
Is cheese included inside the shells?
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) is listed as an optional ingredient for the filling.
How much meat filling goes into each jumbo shell?
You should spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat filling into each shell.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking to the baking dish?
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom of the 13x9x2-inch baking dish before placing the shells inside.
Should the baking dish be covered during the cooking process?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The mixture is seasoned with dried oregano leaves, salt, and ground black pepper.
Can I add a topping to the shells?
Yes, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to taste before baking.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is onion used in this recipe?
Yes, 3/4 cup of finely chopped onion is mixed into the meat filling.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9x2-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Pasta Shells and Italian cuisine.
What are some suggested side dishes?
The recipe suggests serving the shells with a side of garlic bread.
Is this a good recipe for large gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, and birthdays.
How much salt and pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
What should I do after taking the shells out of the oven?
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to make it easier to handle and eat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients total including the optional items like Parmesan and mozzarella.