These Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are a dream come true! Big pasta shells are packed with cheesy goodness and smothered in a rich meat sauce. Yum!
Using a slow cooker means I can set it and forget it—more time to binge-watch my favorite shows! Seriously, this dish is a hit at dinner and super easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells hold the filling beautifully! If you can’t find them, you can use manicotti shells or even lasagna noodles cut into strips.
Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and lean meat. For a healthier option, substitute with ground turkey or chicken, or use lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of marinara sauce is quick and easy! If you want to make your own, blend chopped tomatoes with garlic and Italian spices. It’s fun, and you can adjust the seasonings to your liking!
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. You can use cottage cheese instead for a lower-fat option, or a dairy-free ricotta made from nuts if you’re dairy-intolerant.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is melty and delicious! Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider nut-based cheese alternatives.
What’s the Best Way to Stuff Pasta Shells?
Stuffing those shells can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips:
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells easily. This keeps things neat and tidy!
- Don’t overfill them – the filling should be heaped but not overflowing, as they expand while cooking.
- Lay the filled shells gently in the slow cooker to avoid breakage.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Enjoy the process and the delicious results will be worth it.
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 3 to 4 hours on low. So, in total, you’re looking at about 3.5 to 4 hours for a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the shells and rinse them gently with cold water to keep them from sticking together. Set the cooked shells aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Mix the Meat Sauce:
Next, stir in about 1 cup of the marinara sauce into the meat mixture and set this delicious blend aside for now. It will be used to help flavor the stuffed shells.
4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
Taking each cooked pasta shell, use a spoon to fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy! Repeat this with all the shells you have.
6. Layer the Slow Cooker:
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker. This will provide a tasty base for the stuffed shells.
7. Arrange the Stuffed Shells:
Now, place the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce in the slow cooker. Make sure they fit snugly to keep them from moving around too much while cooking.
8. Add the Meat Sauce:
Carefully pour any remaining marinara sauce followed by the meat sauce evenly over the arranged stuffed shells. Try to coat them well, as this will help keep them moist during cooking.
9. Top with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over everything to create a beautiful cheesy topping.
10. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let it cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the shells are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Once done, garnish with fresh basil if you’d like. Serve warm, and enjoy your delectable, comforting slow cooker stuffed shells!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Pasta Shells?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. You can still fill and cook them as instructed, but the cooking time in the slow cooker may need a slight adjustment—check for doneness after 3 hours.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, or use lentils for added protein. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or place them back in the slow cooker with a splash of marinara sauce on low until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just layer them in the slow cooker with the sauce and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes before turning on the slow cooker.
