Stuffed cheese shells are a delicious and comforting dinner option that is sure to please the whole family. This dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, baked in a savory marinara sauce, and topped with more cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.
To make stuffed cheese shells, start by cooking jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until they are al dente. While the shells are cooking, prepare the cheese filling by combining ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Once the shells are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, stuff each shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese filling and place them in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle more shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.
Bake the stuffed cheese shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the stuffed shells hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Stuffed cheese shells are a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and seasonings. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (or just use all of one kind of cheese)
- 1 cup Monterrey jack cheese
For toppings:
- 3 green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a pan brown the ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions.
- Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted.
- Stir together and mix well. Set aside and cool completely.
- While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to package directions; drain.
- Set shells out individually on cutting board or baking sheet so that they don’t stick together.
- Pour salsa on bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture.
- Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up.
- Evenly cover shells with taco sauce.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- After 15-20 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 5-10 more minutes with the foil removed until cheese melts.
- Top with green onions or olives if desired.
- Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa.