Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the warm, cheesy aroma of crockpot stuffed shells wafting through the air. It feels like a big, comforting hug after a long day! I love how easy they are to prepare; you can just mix, stuff, and set it all to cook while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly! I remember the first time I made these for my family—they couldn’t get enough! The combination of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella with rich marinara sauce is just heavenly. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients List
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crockpot Stuffed Shells
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making these delightful crockpot stuffed shells! I promise, it’s super simple, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, cook those jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want them firm enough to hold all that cheesy goodness, so don’t overcook!
- While the shells are cooking, grab a mixing bowl and combine your ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s well-blended and creamy. Oh, the smell of that cheese mixture is heavenly!
- Next, it’s time for the fun part—stuffing the shells! Once your pasta is cooked and cooled slightly, carefully fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy, really pack it in there!
- Now, let’s prepare the crockpot. Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps keep the shells moist while they cook.
- Place your stuffed shells in the crockpot, side by side. They can snuggle a bit, but don’t overcrowd them too much.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, making sure they’re all covered. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top. Trust me, you want that melty cheese goodness!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. During that time, your kitchen will fill with the most comforting aromas, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
And there you have it—easy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious crockpot stuffed shells! Enjoy every comforting bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless to make—just mix, stuff, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Family-friendly and kid-approved—everyone loves cheesy pasta!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep—set it and forget it!
- Comforting and hearty, it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins for extra flair.
- Great for leftovers—these stuffed shells reheat beautifully!
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for any home cook.
- Deliciously cheesy with that extra layer of marinara magic—what’s not to love?
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, keep an eye on the cooking time—if your crockpot runs hot, check the shells after about 3 hours. You want them to be heated through and the cheese melted but not overcooked.
If you’re looking to mix things up, feel free to add cooked ground meat or sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. And don’t forget, serving these shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad rounds out the meal beautifully!
Lastly, if you have leftovers (which might be a challenge because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste just as delicious reheated the next day—trust me, the flavors only get better!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these scrumptious crockpot stuffed shells! While they’re undeniably delicious, it’s always good to know what you’re working with. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a great ballpark. So, enjoy these cheesy delights guilt-free, knowing they’re packed with flavor and a good amount of protein!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can swap it out for cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a richer flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends—just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly!
What can I add to the cheese mixture for extra flavor?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can mix in some sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even Italian sausage for a heartier dish. Herbs like fresh basil or parsley also add a lovely touch. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
Can I prepare these stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can! You can stuff the shells and layer them in the crockpot the night before. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, remove the wrap and set it to cook on low. Just make sure to check the cooking time, as it might need a bit longer if it’s starting cold.
What should I serve with crockpot stuffed shells?
These cheesy delights pair wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. You could also serve them with some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. The marinara sauce is perfect for dipping bread, so don’t skip that!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. They’ll taste just as amazing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious leftover crockpot stuffed shells is super easy, and it’s a great way to enjoy them again later! Just let them cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those cheesy delights throughout the week.
If you want to store them for a longer time, you can freeze them! Make sure to wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then pop them in a freezer-safe container. They should be good for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them so you know what you’re pulling out later!
When it’s time to reheat, simply thaw any frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight. To warm them up, you can either use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until heated through. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the shells in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re nice and hot. Trust me, they’ll taste just as comforting and delicious as when they were first made!
Z nadrukami
Crockpot Stuffed Shells: 7 Steps to Cheesy Comfort
- Całkowity Czas: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Crockpot stuffed shells are a comforting cheesy delight. They are easy to prepare and perfect for a family meal.
Składniki
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place stuffed shells in the crockpot.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Uwagi
- Adjust cooking time if using a larger or smaller crockpot.
- You can add cooked ground meat to the cheese mixture for extra protein.
- Serve with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 4 hours
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Crockpot
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 6g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: crockpot stuffed shells, cheesy delight, easy family meal
