Cheesy Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Meat and Mushrooms

Welcome to another delightful culinary journey where we combine simple ingredients to create a dish that’s bound to impress your family and friends. Today, we’re diving into the world of stuffed jumbo shells, a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s both comforting and hearty. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s get started!

🍝 Stuffed Jumbo Shells 🍝

Description

Make and share this Stuffed Jumbo Shells recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. It’s a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, ground pork, and a medley of cheeses stuffed into tender jumbo pasta shells, all baked to perfection. This dish is both kid-friendly and perfect for those who love a hearty meal in less than 60 minutes.

Ingredients

Jumbo pasta shells: 1/2 box
Ground beef: 1/2 pound
Ground pork: 1/2 pound
Eggs: 2, large
Mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded
Onion: 2, medium, finely chopped
Mushrooms: 1/2 cup, chopped
Garlic: 1/4 cup, minced
Dried oregano leaves: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 339.6 kcal
Fat Content: 20.4 g
Saturated Fat Content: 8.8 g
Cholesterol Content: 123.7 mg
Sodium Content: 703.5 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 14 g
Fiber Content: 0.8 g
Sugar Content: 6.8 g
Protein Content: 23.9 g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 minutes	30 minutes	45 minutes

Instructions

Cook the Pasta 🍲
- Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Once they are al dente, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the shells aside while you prepare the filling.
Preheat the Oven 🔥
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your stuffed shells bake evenly and come out hot and bubbly.
Prepare the Meat Filling 🍖
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and ground pork together. As the meat cooks, break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Once fully browned, drain off any excess fat.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped mushrooms and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the mushrooms release their juices and the garlic is fragrant.
Combine Ingredients 🥣
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the eggs, bread crumbs, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This will be the flavorful filling for your pasta shells.
Stuff the Shells 🧀
- Take each cooked jumbo shell and fill it with about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. You want the shells to be generously stuffed but not overflowing.
Prepare the Baking Dish 🍅
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce over the bottom of an ovenproof baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor.
Arrange the Shells 🍽️
- Place the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the spaghetti sauce in the baking dish. Make sure they are snugly fit but not overlapping too much.
Add the Sauce and Cheese 🧀
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake the Shells 🕒
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the shells are hot and bubbly. For the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to get golden and slightly crispy on top.
Serve and Enjoy 🍽️
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to plate and allow the flavors to meld together. Serve your stuffed jumbo shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed jumbo shells are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more delightful:

Garlic Bread 🥖: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside your stuffed shells to soak up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad 🥗: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
Steamed Vegetables 🥦: Add a healthy touch with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
Wine Pairing 🍷: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors of the meat and cheese beautifully.

Tips and Tricks

Make Ahead ⏰: You can prepare the stuffed shells up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Freezing ❄️: This dish freezes well. Prepare and stuff the shells, then place them in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Cheese Variations 🧀: Feel free to mix in other types of cheese, such as ricotta or fontina, to the filling for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option 🌱: Substitute the ground beef and pork with a combination of sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, and chopped vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

There you have it, a complete guide to making delicious stuffed jumbo shells that are sure to please any crowd. This recipe is not only kid-friendly but also perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that can be on the table in less than an hour. With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just want to enjoy a cozy meal at home, these stuffed jumbo shells are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a meal that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

Buon appetito! 🍽️✨