Million Dollar Stuffed Shells are a delightful blend of comfort food and hearty ingredients that make for an unforgettable meal. These cheesy, stuffed pasta shells are filled with a mix of ground beef, sausage, and a creamy cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Million Dollar Stuffed Shells because they are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly mouthwatering. They make a filling meal that everyone will love, and you can even prepare them ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, leftovers taste great, making this recipe a win-win for any home cook!
How to Make Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) box jumbo shell pasta (about 24 shells)
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup diced onion (about half a medium onion)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, about 1 24-ounce jar)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese (or whole-milk ricotta cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo shell pasta according to package instructions for al dente pasta. If you prefer, undercook by a few minutes to avoid overcooking them in the oven.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
How to Serve Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Serve Million Dollar Stuffed Shells hot from the oven with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be a centerpiece at dinner parties or family gatherings.
How to Store Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
To store leftover Million Dollar Stuffed Shells, let them cool completely and then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
- If you want more flavor, add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling.
- For a spicy kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- You can prepare the shells a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
Variation
You can customize Million Dollar Stuffed Shells by substituting the meats with cooked turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, swap the marinara sauce for alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make Million Dollar Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them the day before and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer, you can use ricotta cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a different texture.
Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling
- 1 box 12-ounce box jumbo shell pasta About 24 shells
- 0.5 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking
- 0.33 cup diced onion About half a medium onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 cups marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought, about 1 24-ounce jar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt To taste
- Ground black pepper To taste
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese Or whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided
- 0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil For garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo shell pasta according to package instructions for al dente pasta, or undercook slightly to avoid overcooking.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cooking the Filling
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembly and Baking
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
