These Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are a cheesy delight! Filled with creamy ricotta and smothered in rich meat sauce, they are pure comfort food. Plus, they cook all day while you relax!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work. Just toss everything in, and before you know it, dinner is ready. It’s the perfect meal for busy days or cozy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing. If you can’t find these, manicotti tubes work marvelously too. Just ensure whatever pasta you use can hold the filling properly.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I prefer Italian sausage for a little extra flavor, but ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. You can also skip meat altogether for a vegetarian version by adding more veggies!
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives a creamy texture. If lactose is an issue, consider cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta as substitutes. But trust me, the real deal is delightful!
Marinara or Meat Sauce: Store-bought is easy, but homemade adds a personal touch. You can also use pesto or marinara sauce with herbs for added flavor. Don’t be shy—experiment with what you love!
How Can You Stuff Pasta Shells Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing pasta shells can be tricky! To simplify the process, here are some tips:
- Use a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the shells. This keeps things clean!
- Fill them generously but don’t overstuff, as they need space to cook and expand.
- If the pasta shells are too tight in the cooker, layer them side by side so they cook evenly.
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Meat
- 20-25 large pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 cups marinara or meat sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let the slow cooker do the work for 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high. So, in total, plan for around 4 hours for easy cooking and delicious stuffed shells!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Start by cooking the large pasta shells according to the package instructions. You want them to be al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy. Set the meat aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
4. Combine the Meat and Cheese:
Add the cooked meat into the cheese mixture and stir until evenly mixed. Now, get ready to stuff those shells!
5. Stuff the Shells:
Take a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture and fill each cooked pasta shell. Don’t be shy—stuff them good! Place all the stuffed shells aside as you work.
6. Start Layering in the Slow Cooker:
Spread about 1 cup of marinara or meat sauce evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help prevent sticking and keep things moist.
7. Add the Stuffed Shells:
Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the slow cooker. If you have extra shells, stack them carefully. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the shells, so they’re nice and coated.
8. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it cooks!
9. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. The goal is melted, bubbly cheese and heated stuffed shells, so keep an eye on it towards the end!
10. Serve It Up!
Once done, carefully serve the stuffed shells warm and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and hands-off meal!
Enjoy your comforting, hands-off stuffed shells! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian version, feel free to skip meat altogether or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but double-check the labels for sauces and cheese just to be safe!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of marinara sauce while reheating to keep them moist!
Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before or after cooking! If freezing before cooking, arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time. If frozen post-cooking, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
