These easy slow cooker stuffed shells are a tasty treat! Big pasta shells filled with cheesy goodness and topped with hearty meat sauce make for a cozy meal any day of the week.
What’s great is you just mix, stuff, and let the slow cooker do the magic. It smells so good, you’ll find yourself sneaking bites before dinner! Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are perfect for stuffing! If you can’t find them, you can use manicotti or even large cannelloni tubes instead. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian version, try using chopped mushrooms and spinach instead.
Cheese: Ricotta is traditional, but you can mix it up with cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option. For the mozzarella, any melty cheese works, but I love using fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce to save time. If you have homemade sauce, it’ll add even more flavor! Just be aware of seasoning it well to suit your taste.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Stuffed Shells?
Stuffing the shells can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to get it right:
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to fill the shells quickly and neatly.
- Be gentle! The shells can crack if you apply too much pressure.
- Don’t overfill. A teaspoon or so of filling is usually just right. You want them packed without spilling out.
Once you have them all filled, lay them carefully in the slow cooker. With a little patience, you’ll have a beautiful dish that everyone will love!
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 large jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful dish takes about 20 minutes for prep, plus 3 to 4 hours of cooking in the slow cooker. It’s a great hands-off meal—perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious dinner waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente, according to the package instructions. Make sure they don’t get too soft, as they will continue cooking in the slow cooker. Once done, drain them and lay them out on a baking sheet to cool without sticking together.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. If there’s excess fat, drain it out. Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce and the Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes and then remove it from heat.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This cheesy filling is what makes the shells so delicious!
4. Get the Slow Cooker Ready:
To prepare your slow cooker, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will help keep the shells from sticking and add flavor!
5. Stuff the Shells:
Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture. You can use a spoon, but a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner works wonderfully for easy stuffing. Place the stuffed shells tightly in a single layer in the slow cooker.
6. Add the Meat Sauce:
Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the meat sauce evenly over them. Make sure every shell is covered so they soak up all the yummy flavors!
7. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and the shells are tender.
8. Add More Cheese:
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed shells, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt.
9. Serve:
Once everything’s melted and heavenly, it’s time to serve! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Enjoy this comforting dish warm, and don’t be surprised if you go back for seconds!
Dig into this crowd-pleasing, easy slow cooker stuffed shells meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a delicious twist. For a vegetarian option, consider using chopped mushrooms and spinach or a store-bought meat alternative.
What If I Don’t Have Jumbo Pasta Shells?
No problem! If jumbo shells are unavailable, you can use manicotti or large cannelloni tubes instead. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed since different pastas may require different cooking durations.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and sauce the day before and keep them in the fridge. Just assemble them in the slow cooker and cook the next day, adding some extra cooking time if they 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, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also add a splash of marinara sauce to maintain moisture.
