This recipe for stuffed shells is a real winner! Big pasta shells are filled with a tasty mix of meat and cheese, then cooked slowly in a savory sauce. Yum!
What I love most is how simple it is to make. Just fill, pour the sauce, and let the slow cooker do its magic! It smells amazing while it cooks, and everyone loves it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: Jumbo pasta shells are essential for holding the delicious filling. If you can’t find them, consider using manicotti tubes, which work similarly and are often easier to stuff.
Ground Meat: I usually go for ground beef, but Italian sausage adds a nice kick! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can replace the meat, while still keeping the flavor.
Cheeses: Ricotta is a classic choice for stuffing. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, look for dairy-free ricotta or tofu blended with lemon juice and nutritional yeast. For the mozzarella and Parmesan, any good melting cheese will do; try provolone or a dairy-free alternative.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient, but homemade sauce is always a hit! If you’re short on time, jarred sauce works just fine. Feel free to spice it up with some red pepper flakes for added heat!
How Do You Stuff the Shells Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing the shells can be tricky, but a few tips can make it easier. First, use a zip-top bag to fill the shells. Just scoop the filling into the bag, cut off a corner, and pipe it into the shells. This keeps everything neat!
- Make sure the pasta shells are cool enough to handle; this prevents burns.
- Don’t overfill the shells; a heaping tablespoon should suffice.
- Lay the filled shells gently in the slow cooker, ensuring they are close but not squished.
With just a little practice, you’ll be a pro at stuffing shells in no time!
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells With Meat
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and the cooking time is around 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in your slow cooker. So in total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious stuffed shells in about 5 hours or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente (still slightly firm). Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool. This will make them easier to handle when stuffing!
2. Prepare the Meat Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Then, in a large bowl, mix the cooked meat with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
3. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.
4. Stuff the Shells:
Now it’s time to stuff those shells! Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.
5. Add More Sauce:
Once all the shells are stuffed and in the slow cooker, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells to keep everything nice and moist while cooking.
6. Cook the Shells:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Check that the shells are heated through and bubbly.
7. Add the Cheese Topping:
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the shells. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and gooey.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with extra parsley if you’d like, then serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker stuffed shells with meat!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells With Meat
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef and Italian sausage are traditional choices, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to season it well for great flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free. Many brands are available, so check the labels when shopping!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just ensure the stuffed shells are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What Should I Serve with Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. They also make a great whole meal on their own due to the protein and cheese!
