Best 7 Cheesy Meatless Stuffed Shells Recipes

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Craving a comforting and indulgent dish that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike? Look no further than cheesy meatless stuffed shells, an enticing culinary creation that combines the best of both worlds. This delectable dish features tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory filling of vegetables, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that adds a vibrant touch to every bite.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Stuffed Shells image

This is a delicious baked pasta dish with large shells filled with meat, spinach and cheese that children always seem to love. It is kind of a 'spaghetti that behaves itself!'

Provided by Kimber

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
½ pound Italian sausage
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, crushed
½ lemon, juiced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain and crumble. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Stuff pasta shells with the sausage and cheese mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.2 calories, Carbohydrate 51.9 g, Cholesterol 69.1 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 21.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 741.3 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

THE BEST STUFFED SHELLS



The Best Stuffed Shells image

Here's our upgrade on the Italian-American comfort food classic. We used three different cheeses to get the ultra-creamy filling just right. It really balances the tangy homemade tomato sauce.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 cup tomato paste
Two 28-ounce cans good-quality peeled whole plum tomatoes, crushed
1 sprig basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
9 ounces jumbo dried pasta shells
2 cups whole milk ricotta
8 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella
3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for topping
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • For the marinara sauce: Heat the oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic has softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, add the basil and dried oregano, partially cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 45 minutes.
  • Remove the basil sprig. If the sauce is still too chunky, mash the larger chunks of tomato with a potato masher. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
  • For the shells and filling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the dried pasta shells cook, stirring occasionally, until softened slightly but not cooked. (The pasta shells should flexible enough to be filled but remain very al dente; they will continue to cook during baking.) Drain, then run under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well again.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley and egg in a large bowl until well combined and uniform. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer the filling to a large disposable pastry bag or large resealable plastic bag (or use a spoon for filling directly from the bowl).
  • Spread 2 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Snip off the end of the pastry bag and squeeze the filling into the shells one at a time. Arrange the shells open-side up in a tight single layer in the baking dish as you fill them. Top with the remaining marinara sauce. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake the shells until the sauce is bubbling throughout and the filling is heated through, about 35 minutes.
  • Remove the foil from the pan and continue to bake for 10 more minutes to reduce the sauce. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

CHEESY MEATLESS STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Meatless Stuffed Shells image

Jumbo shells are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of Impossible™ burger plant-based ground protein, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and ricotta cheese then topped with marinara and lots of cheese and baked up until golden and bubbly!

Provided by Pink Owl Kitchen

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Main Dishes     Pasta

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

18 piece (blank)s jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (12 ounce) package meatless ground beef substitute (such as Impossible(TM) Foods)
1 (15 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
½ medium onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 cups loosely packed fresh spinach
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes.
  • While the shells are cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatless ground beef and cook and stir until brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes; add spinach and simmer until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes more. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and mix in ricotta cheese and egg until fully incorporated.
  • Pour 1/2 cup marinara sauce into the bottom of a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread out with the back of a large spoon.
  • Drain cooked shells. Stuff each with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the "meat" mixture. Arrange in the skillet or baking dish. Pour remaining marinara over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning and more black pepper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is golden and bubbly, 35 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 668.8 calories, Carbohydrate 66.9 g, Cholesterol 75.6 mg, Fat 25.2 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 1379.3 mg, Sugar 13.7 g

STUFFED SHELLS



Stuffed Shells image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
8 ounces jumbo pasta shells
30 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
12 leaves fresh basil, cut into chiffonade
1 large egg
Freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces Parmesan, grated
2 jars good-quality marinara sauce
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
Crusty French bread, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook for half the cooking time on the package; make sure not to overcook. Drain and rinse in cool water. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, Romano, parsley, basil, egg, some salt and pepper and half of the Parmesan. Stir until combined.
  • To assemble, coat the bottom of a baking dish with some sauce. Fill each half-cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place face-down on the sauce. Repeat with the shells until the cheese mixture is gone. Top the shells with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
  • Bake until hot and bubbly, 25 minutes. Serve with crusty French bread.

EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS



Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells image

Here's a rich and comforting dish that's terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these stuffed shells with meat sauce. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup prepared pesto
1 large egg
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce, divided

Steps:

  • Cook pasta shells according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and spaghetti sauce; pour over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405 calories, Fat 22g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 730mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

STUFFED CHEESY SHELLS



Stuffed Cheesy Shells image

Make and share this Stuffed Cheesy Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by weekend cooker

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 21 pasta shells, 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

21 pieces jumbo pasta shells, cooked
2 tablespoons onion powder
3 cups homemade spaghetti sauce or 3 cups store bought spaghetti sauce, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 lbs low-fat tofu, mashed
1/2 teaspoon basil
2 teaspoons parsley
2 tablespoons fat-free parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spread two cups spaghetti sauce in a 13x9 inch pan and set aside.
  • Add 1/2 cup water to remaining sauce and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine tofu, parsley, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and basil. Mix well.
  • Fill cooked shells with tofu mixture.
  • Place shells into baking pan.
  • Pour remaining 1 cup spaghetti sauce with 1/2 cup water over the top.
  • Sprinkle parmesan cheese over top of spaghetti sauce.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 48.4, Fat 1.3, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1, Sodium 634.4, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 4.4, Protein 1.1

CHEESE STUFFED SHELLS



Cheese Stuffed Shells image

Make and share this Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Robbie Rice

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 eggs, beaten
30 ounces ricotta cheese, lowfat okay
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, lowfat okay
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, lowfat okay
1/2 cup fresh parsley sprig, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 dash black pepper
12 ounces shell pasta, jumbo, prepared
26 ounces spaghetti sauce, lowfat okay
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, lowfat okay

Steps:

  • Boil shells according to package directions. Remove from pot with tongs to avoid tearing and allow to cool on a sheet of wax paper.
  • Combine eggs, cheeses, and seasonings in bowl.
  • Spoon about 3 Tbls. cheese mixture into each cooked shell.
  • Spread 2 Tbls of the spaghetti sauce in bottom of 13"x9" baking dish.
  • Arrange shells in dish over sauce.Pour remaining sauce over stuffed shells.
  • Sprinkle cheese over sauce.
  • Bake in 350F degrees oven for 30 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses. A blend of cheeses will give your stuffed shells a more complex flavor. Try using a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and asiago.
  • Don't overcook the shells. Cook them just until they are al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked shells will be mushy and difficult to stuff.
  • Let the shells cool slightly before stuffing them. This will make them easier to handle and less likely to break.
  • Pack the shells tightly with filling. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart when they are baked.
  • Bake the shells until they are golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that they are heated through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.
  • Serve the shells immediately. They are best when they are hot and fresh out of the oven.

Conclusion:

Cheesy meatless stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a variety of tips and tricks, you can make sure that your stuffed shells are perfect every time. So next time you are looking for a vegetarian meal that is packed with flavor, give cheesy meatless stuffed shells a try. You won't be disappointed!

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