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These Italian Stuffed Shells are the best! My all-time favorite stuffed shells creamy, cheesy, delicious! My family loves these stuffed shells, and I know your family will too!
Any pasta dish is so simple to put together and cheap to make. I stuffed these Italian Stuffed Shells with seasoned meat, cream cheese, and marinara sauce. I topped it with more marinara and shredded cheese and baked! It is so simple to make and my entire family loved it! Stuffed shells are one of my favorite recipes and if you like this one make sure to check out my recipe for Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells next, I think you will love them just as much.
Stuffed Shells Recipe:
How to make Italian Stuffed Shells:
Step One: Start by cooking the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked drain and set aside.
Step Two: In a skillet cook sausage and ground beef. Drain fat and return to burner.
Step Three: Add cream cheese to the skillet. Cook and mix until cream cheese is melted and well combined.
Step Four: Season with garlic powder and Italian seasoning then add some of the marinara sauce.
Step Five: Preheat the oven and then spoon in filling to shells and place in a casserole dish.
Step Six: Top with remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.
Do you really use cream cheese?
I have been asked several times if I use cream cheese or if I meant ricotta cheese. Yes for this recipe I did use cream cheese. I know traditionally a ricotta cheese are used but I wanted to try something different and I love the way it turned out. It has a great creamy texture and a wonderful taste. If you are not a fan of cream cheese then you can use the same about of ricotta cheese in its place.
Recipe Update:
I have had some feedback on this recipe and have updated it. A lot of people suggested that 8 oz of cream cheese was too much. I tried it with 4 oz and it turned out much better. If you want the original recipe the only thing I changed was the amount of cream cheese used. I would say start with 4 oz then add more to taste.
Here are a few more of my favorite Italian flavored dishes to try out next:
Italian Sliders: The best game day recipe! These slides are loaded up and then baked. Serve warm and enjoy!
Creamy Italian Chicken and Rotini: This recipe is made in your slow cooker. With a few simple ingredients dinner is ready.
Italian Pinwheels: These are my favorite pinwheels! I love this recipe, so simple to make and so full of flavor.
Italian Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 10 oz Jumbo shells
- 1/2 pound Ground sausage
- 1/2 pound Ground beef
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder, (to taste)
- 16 oz Marinara sauce, (divided)
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile in a skillet cook sausage and ground beef. Drain fat and add cream cheese to the skillet. Cook and mix until cream cheese is melted and well combined.
- Season with garlic powder and Italian seasoning then add 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon in filling to shells and place in a casserole dish.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
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I love this recipe! I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve made it! My favorite way to make it is freezer meals! We’re a family of two, so I double the recipe, then package it in foil “to go” boxes I order on Amazon. It’s the perfect size for 1/2 the recipe. So, I end up with 4 meals! My husbands eyes sparkle whenever I announce we’re having stuffed shells! Thanks for this fabulous recipe!
Thanks so much Karen!
Great recipe! I’ve made it numerous times. My family and friends love it! We eat it with a salad and garlic bread.
Thanks Angie!
The family loved these! Yes I will make again! Always looking for new recipes to make! So we go the thumbs up rating- 3 thumbs up ! Just had garlic toast with it !
So glad you all liked it!
We just loved this. I will be making this often. I must say the cream cheese in the mixture makes it. I had company and they said it is like restaurant food. Great complement.
This is delicious. My Husband & I love this meal.
Yah! So glad yall liked it!
What kind of cheese should l use stuffed shells with shrimp and you serve it cold
I have not tried it with Shrimp yet not sure what would taste best.
Can you substitute leftover rotisserie chicken for the meat in this you think?
Definitely! I love using rotisserie chicken as my meat for plenty of meals!!!
Can these be frozen/refrigerated over night?
if so, do you have tips on how to adjust cooking temp/time?
Thanks!
Yes, these can be frozen or refrigerated. I would allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking. Cook it according to the directions and check on it. It may only need 5-6 extra minutes.
Can you use spaghetti sauce instead of marinara sauce
Sure can!
This and the Alfredo stuffed shells have become go to meals in our family. Love the creaminess the cream cheese gives this dish. It’s so delicious. Also used it for a pot luck supper and everyone wanted the recipe.