These easy slow cooker stuffed shells are a treat! Big pasta shells filled with a cheesy meat mix and topped with marinara sauce—perfect for busy days!
I love how simple this dish is. Just fill the shells, layer everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while I relax. Dinner made easy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are perfect for holding the filling! If you can’t find them, you can use manicotti or any large pasta that can be stuffed.
Ground Beef: I prefer ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey or chicken are great lighter options. You can also use vegetarian meat substitutes if you’d like a meat-free dish.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese works well too, just blend it a little first for a smoother texture.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce, but homemade is always fantastic! Just cook down tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of sugar if needed.
How Do I Get the Stuffed Shells Just Right?
Stuffing the shells doesn’t have to be tricky! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works nicely.
- Don’t overfill; leave a little space to allow the filling to expand as it cooks.
Layer the filled shells gently in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re not too crowded. This helps them cook evenly and gives a delicious outcome.
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then 3-4 hours in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for a lazy day, as you can set it up and let it cook while you do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should still have a little bite to them. After cooking, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to help prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling light and delicious.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, take the cooked ground beef and add the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well until it’s a nice, even mixture.
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the tasty base for your stuffed shells!
5. Stuff the Shells:
Now it’s time to fill those shells! Take each cooked shell and stuff it with the meat and cheese mixture. Carefully place them snugly into the slow cooker on top of the marinara sauce.
6. Add More Sauce:
Once all the shells are in, pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, ensuring they are nicely covered.
7. Cook it Low and Slow:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours. This will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully while the shells warm up nicely.
8. Melt the Cheese:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the shells and cover again. Cook a bit longer until the cheese is gooey and melted.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, if you’d like, you can garnish your stuffed shells with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor. For a meatless option, try using a plant-based meat substitute or just load up on veggies!
What If I Don’t Have Jumbo Shells?
If jumbo shells aren’t available, you can use manicotti or any large pasta that can be stuffed. Just ensure whatever you choose is cooked until al dente.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert overnight. Just pour the sauce on top before you start cooking the next day. Cooking time may need slight adjustments if the shells are cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature to keep the pasta from drying out.
