Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these crockpot stuffed shells! They’re a comforting cheesy delight that will make your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Picture this: tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed to the brim with a dreamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all simmering in a rich marinara sauce. It’s pure heaven! I love how simple it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while I kick back and relax. Trust me, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, these stuffed shells will become your go-to dish. You won’t want to miss out on this cheesy goodness!
Ingredients List
For these delicious crockpot stuffed shells, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. First, grab 12 jumbo pasta shells; they’re the perfect vessel for all that cheesy goodness. Next, you’ll need 2 cups of ricotta cheese, which gives that creamy texture we all love. Add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for melty, gooey bliss, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle in some salty goodness. Don’t forget 1 egg to bind everything together! You’ll also want 2 cups of marinara sauce to soak those shells in flavor, along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to really bring it all to life. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to go!
How to Prepare Crockpot Stuffed Shells
Getting these crockpot stuffed shells ready is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share how! First things first, let’s cook those jumbo pasta shells. Cooking the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. You don’t want them too soft since they’ll finish cooking in the crockpot. Once done, drain and set them aside.
Now, let’s create that heavenly cheese mixture! Preparing the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix it all together until you have a smooth, consistent blend. This will make stuffing the shells so much easier!
Next up, Stuffing the Shells: Take each shell and gently stuff it with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag for a neat fill. Just be careful not to overstuff them; a generous amount in each shell works perfectly.
Now, onto Layering in the Crockpot: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your crockpot—this prevents sticking and adds flavor! Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. This ensures every shell gets that lovely sauce soaked in.
Finally, Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and set it on low for about 4 hours. If your crockpot tends to cook faster, just keep an eye on them. You want those flavors to meld beautifully while the shells get tender and delicious!
Tips for Success
To ensure your crockpot stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, be sure not to overcook the pasta shells when boiling them; al dente is key since they’ll soften further in the crockpot. Also, when mixing your cheese filling, make sure it’s smooth and well-combined—this helps with easy stuffing and avoids clumps. Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce; the shells need that moisture to cook evenly and soak up all that flavor! Lastly, if you want to add ground meat for extra protein, make sure it’s cooked beforehand and well-drained to avoid excess grease. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information for these crockpot stuffed shells: it can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I strive to provide accurate details, keep in mind that these values are approximate and may not be precise. Always check the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making these delightful crockpot stuffed shells, so let’s dive right in!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about these stuffed shells is how versatile they are. You can swap out the cheeses based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For instance, if you’re a fan of cream cheese, that can add a lovely tanginess. Or try adding some feta for a Mediterranean twist! Just be mindful of the moisture content in different cheeses, as that can affect the overall texture.
How can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up this comforting dish, there are a few simple tweaks you can make. First, consider using low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses—they still melt beautifully but cut down on some calories. You can also sneak in some veggies like spinach or finely chopped bell peppers into the cheese mixture for added nutrition! Another option is to use whole grain pasta shells for a fiber boost.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can definitely prep these stuffed shells ahead of time! Just assemble everything as instructed, but instead of cooking them right away, cover the crockpot and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the crockpot and cook on low as directed. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal hands-on time
- Rich, comforting flavors that warm the soul
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings
- Customizable with different cheeses and add-ins
- One-pot meal means easy cleanup!
- Delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delicious crockpot stuffed shells, there are so many tasty options to enhance your meal! A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding a fresh crunch to balance the cheesy richness. Garlic bread is another fantastic accompaniment—who can resist dipping that warm, buttery goodness into extra marinara sauce? For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some fresh basil on top before serving. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a wholesome touch. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover crockpot stuffed shells is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the shells. Just wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen, then pop them in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover them with foil to keep them moist, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy that cheesy goodness again!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about these crockpot stuffed shells! If you try the recipe, please leave a comment below to share your experience or any tweaks you made. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! And if you love it as much as I do, snap a photo and share it on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious creations! Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Stuffed Shells: 5 Steps to Cheesy Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot stuffed shells are a comforting cheesy delight filled with ricotta and mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the stuffed shells in the crockpot in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time if your crockpot cooks faster or slower.
- You can add cooked ground meat for added protein.
- Top with fresh basil before serving for flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot stuffed shells, cheesy stuffed shells, easy pasta dish
