These easy stuffed shells are filled with creamy cheese and covered in delicious meat sauce. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the magic!
Seriously, you can smell the goodness filling your home while it cooks! I love serving them hot with some garlic bread on the side. Perfect for a cozy dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are perfect for holding the cheese filling. If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or even large shells. Just make sure they can hold the filling well!
Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian choice!
Marinara Sauce: I love using store-bought marinara for convenience. However, homemade sauce adds a personal touch. If you’re looking for a twist, pesto can be a fun substitute for a different flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works as a great alternative. Just blend it a bit to achieve a smoother texture. You can also use a dairy-free ricotta for a vegan version!
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices. For added flavor, consider using provolone or fontina cheese. Vegan cheese is also available if needed!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Stuffed Shells?
Stuffing the shells is where the fun begins! Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- After cooking the shells, let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t overfill to prevent spilling while cooking!
- As you place the stuffed shells in the slow cooker, arrange them gently in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Take your time with the stuffing; it makes a big difference in how they turn out. Following these steps will lead to a delightful dish everyone will love!
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces (about 3 cups) marinara or spaghetti sauce
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Preparing the Slow Cooker:
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing slow cooker
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 3 to 4 hours of cooking time on low in the slow cooker. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal! Just mix, stuff, and let the slow cooker do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite but not hard. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Once it’s sizzling, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the mixture to keep it light and delicious!
3. Mix the Marinara Sauce with Meat:
Stir 1 cup of your marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture. This adds flavor and helps keep things juicy. Set this mixture aside while you make the cheese filling.
4. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Preheat Your Slow Cooker:
Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil. This will make cleanup easier after cooking!
6. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or your fingers. It’s okay if they’re a bit messy; that just adds to the charm!
7. Layer the Sauce in the Slow Cooker:
Spread about 1 cup of the remaining marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. This will keep the shells from sticking and add extra flavor.
8. Arrange the Stuffed Shells:
Gently place the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Try not to stack them to ensure even cooking.
9. Add the Meat Sauce:
Spoon the meat and marinara mixture evenly over the stuffed shells. This is where the magic happens—let the flavors blend!
10. Top with More Sauce:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them well. You want them to stay moist while cooking.
11. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Finish it off by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over everything. Cheese makes everything better, right?
12. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours, or until everything is bubbly and heated through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, garnish with some extra parsley if you’d like, and serve hot. These stuffed shells are perfect for sharing, or you can save leftovers for an easy lunch later!
Enjoy your comforting, cheesy slow cooker stuffed shells with savory meat sauce! This dish will surely become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fillings for the Shells?
Absolutely! You can mix it up by using different types of cheese, adding spinach, or even mixing in some cooked vegetables. For a protein twist, try using cooked sausage or shredded chicken in place of ground beef!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed shells before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, just assemble everything in the slow cooker or a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking normally.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. For a milder flavor, stick to traditional marinara and limit the seasoning.
