Meatball Stuffed Shells Pasta (Printable)

Jumbo shells filled with beef meatballs, baked in marinara and melted mozzarella; perfect for a cozy dinner.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 24 jumbo pasta shells

→ Meatballs

02 - 1.1 pounds ground beef
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons milk

→ Sauce & Topping

12 - 24 ounces marinara sauce
13 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water as per package directions until al dente. Drain the shells and set aside.
03 - Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
04 - Shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
05 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes. Meatballs do not need to be fully cooked through.
06 - Pour about 1 cup marinara sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish to coat evenly.
07 - Fill each cooked pasta shell with a meatball and arrange stuffed shells, open side up, in the baking dish.
08 - Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
09 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry items
  • Perfect for prepping ahead to save time on busy weeknights
  • Cheesy and saucy with real homemade flavor
  • Satisfies both pasta and meatball cravings in one dish
  • Kids absolutely love scooping out the stuffed shells
02 -
  • Serves a crowd perfectly for potlucks or holidays
  • High in protein and calcium thanks to beef and cheese
  • Can be adapted easily for different meats or vegetarian options
03 -
  • Mix meatball ingredients gently and don’t overwork or the meatballs get dense
  • For perfectly even cooking, make sure each ball is about the same size
  • If possible, shred your mozzarella fresh just before baking for optimal gooeyness
  • Test seasoning in your sauce before layering it on, since every jar is a bit different
  • Let the dish sit for ten minutes after baking, so flavors mingle and serving is easier

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