Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Sausage & Pork
Lee
- Serves
- 6
- Prep Time
- 20 Minutes
- Cook Time
- 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug, these Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Sausage & Cheese are the answer. This recipe brings together simple ingredients — ground pork, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a cheesy blend — all tucked into tender pasta shells and simmered to perfection.
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can mix in your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers, or keep it classic and meaty. The filling is savory, cheesy, and satisfying — and once the shells are stuffed and nestled in sauce, the oven (or stovetop) does the rest.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or prepping comfort food for the week, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to love. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or just a fork and an appetite — it’s always a hit.
Ingredients
- 18 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 oz.)
- 1 pound (16 oz) ground pork
- 1 pound (16 oz) ground pork
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cup marinara sauce (your favorite or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Italian shredded cheese blend (6-cheese mix), plus more for topping
- 1 mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground basil
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 -2 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
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Directions
- Step 1
Cook the Shells: Boil pasta shells in salted water until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Step 2
Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add ground pork and sausage. Cook until browned (8–10 min). Season with black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and basil. Reduce heat to medium and cook another 6–7 minutes. Add spinach (if using), cover, and let it wilt (1–2 min).
- Step 3
Add Sauce and Cheese: Transfer some of the cooked meat into a separate pot or bowl. Add about 1½ cups of marinara sauce to the meat mixture and stir. Mix in 1 cup Italian cheese and 1 cup cheddar until well combined. Stuff the Shells: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat-cheese filling into each shell. (Avoid overstuffing to prevent tearing.)
- Step 4
Assemble the Dish: In the same skillet or a baking dish, spread a layer of reserved marinara sauce. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce. Spoon more marinara over the top, sprinkle with extra cheese, grated parmesan, and parsley.
- Step 5
Final Cooking: Cover skillet or baking dish and cook over medium heat (or bake at 350°F) for 4–6 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Step 6
Serve & Enjoy! Let cool slightly before serving. Great with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Step 7
Meat Options (Use one or mix & match – about 1 to 1.5 lbs total): Ground beef, turkey, or chicken (optional substitution) Or go meatless with more vegetables or plant-based ground
- Step 8
Vegetable Options: (Use 1–2 cups total): Fresh spinach (recommended) Chopped mushrooms Zucchini (shredded or diced) Bell peppers (diced) Onion (sautéed)