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A close-up shot of a single sausage stuffed shell on a plate, showing the rich ricotta and sausage filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
FL Recipes

Sausage Stuffed Shells (The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe)

This Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory blend of Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella, baked in marinara sauce. An easy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Filling and Assembly
  • 12 oz Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage Hot, mild, or sweet
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Whole milk recommended
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Large Egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce divided

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until the sausage is browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Spread 1.5 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Fill each cooked shell with the sausage and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
  6. Top the shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
  8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 32gFat: 30gFiber: 4g

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Freezer Tip: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding significant time, or thaw overnight first.
Keyword baked pasta,sausage stuffed shells,stuffed shells recipe

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