These Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are a hit! Large pasta shells are filled with creamy cheese and topped with hearty meat sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Using a slow cooker makes this meal super easy—just fill, layer, and let it cook. I love coming home to that delicious smell. Plus, extra cheese never hurt anyone, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These shells are perfect for stuffing! If you can’t find them, you can use manicotti or even cannelloni as substitutes. Just adjust the cook time as necessary.
Ground Beef: Lean ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative for a lighter option. Vegetarian substitutes, like lentils or a mix of beans, can also work well to keep it meatless.
Ricotta Cheese: If you’re looking for a healthier choice, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. For a vegan option, try using tofu blended with nutritional yeast and your favorite plant-based milk.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience. If you prefer homemade, just simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, and spices for a fresh taste.
How Do I Stuff the Shells Without Making a Mess?
Filling the shells can be tricky, but here’s a foolproof way! Use a small spoon or a piping bag to make it easier. Just follow these steps:
- After cooking your pasta shells, let them cool slightly to handle.
- Take a shell and open it gently with your fingers.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell with the cheese mixture until it’s generously stuffed.
- Place filled shells seam-side up in the slow cooker to keep the filling secure.
Remember, don’t overstuff! A little filling goes a long way as it will expand while cooking. Enjoy the process—it’s part of the fun!
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus 3-4 hours of cooking time on low (or 2-3 hours on high). So, in total, you’ll be looking at about 3.5 to 4.5 hours from start to finish before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet, drizzle a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
Stir in 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes before removing it from heat.
4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella (½ cup), half of the Parmesan (¼ cup), egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Stuff the Shells:
Now it’s time to fill those pasta shells! Take a shell and fill it with the ricotta cheese mixture. Don’t worry if it gets a little messy—just make sure to pack it well. Set the filled shells aside for now.
6. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
First, lightly spray the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of olive oil. Spread about 1 cup of the remaining marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
7. Arrange the Stuffed Shells:
Carefully place the stuffed shells in the slow cooker in a single layer. Then, spoon the meat sauce evenly over the shells.
8. Pour and Sprinkle:
Cover the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that cheesy goodness!
9. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until everything is heated through and bubbly.
10. Serve:
Once cooked, garnish with extra parsley if desired, scoop the stuffed shells onto plates, and serve warm. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
This slow cooker recipe gives you tender stuffed shells with savory meat sauce and cheesy goodness, all done with minimal effort! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using lentils, black beans, or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells?
Yes, these stuffed shells freeze well! Assemble the dish fully, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking in the slow cooker.
What Can I Serve with Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells are delicious on their own, but for a complete meal, consider serving them with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for some extra color and nutrients!
