There’s something so special about gathering around the dinner table with family, don’t you think? It’s one of those moments where laughter and stories fill the air, and the food? Well, it just has to be comforting and delicious! That’s where my crockpot stuffed shells, a comforting cheesy delight, come in. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of cheesy goodness wafting through the air. Trust me, these stuffed shells are not just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with the people you love most. So, let’s dive into this cheesy goodness together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious crockpot stuffed shells! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells – these are the big ones that hold all that cheesy goodness!
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – this adds that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – a sprinkle of this gives it a lovely flavor kick.
- 1 egg – this helps bind everything together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that perfect hint of garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – to bring the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen.
- 3 cups marinara sauce – the heart of this dish, adding moisture and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season to your liking!
Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to a cozy, cheesy dinner in no time!
How to Prepare Crockpot Stuffed Shells
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think!
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to get them al dente. They’ll finish cooking in the crockpot, so don’t worry about them being fully cooked just yet. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly. This way, you won’t burn your fingers while stuffing them!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to use a spatula or a fork to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. Make sure there are no clumps—every bite should be full of that cheesy goodness!
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Now comes the fun part! Grab a spoon and start stuffing each shell with your cheese mixture. I find that using about 2 tablespoons per shell works perfectly, but feel free to adjust depending on your taste. Just be sure not to overstuff them, as they’ll expand a bit while cooking. Set the stuffed shells aside on a plate as you go—it’s like a cheesy assembly line!
Step 4: Layer the Crockpot
Before placing the shells in the crockpot, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds flavor. Then, carefully place the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Don’t worry if they’re snug; they’re going to love it! Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese for that ooey-gooey finish.
Step 5: Cook
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours, but I prefer the low-and-slow method for the tastiest results. Once it’s done, you’ll know because your home will smell heavenly, and the cheese will be bubbling. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting cheesy delight you’ve created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—just mix, stuff, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Rich, cheesy flavors that bring everyone to the table with smiles.
- Perfect for meal prep; just set it and forget it until dinner time!
- Comfort food at its best—each bite feels like a warm hug.
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this when it comes to cozy family dinners!
Tips for Success
To make your crockpot stuffed shells a comforting cheesy delight even better, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix it up with the cheeses—try adding some creamy goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for a flavor twist. If you want to boost the protein, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef or turkey into the cheese filling. For an added veggie punch, chop up some spinach or mushrooms and toss them in the mix. And remember, if you want a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Lastly, always keep an eye on the cooking time, as crockpot models can vary. Enjoy crafting your perfect cheesy masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, knowing what’s in it can make a difference! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for my crockpot stuffed shells a comforting cheesy delight:
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But one thing’s for sure—this dish is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these crockpot stuffed shells a comforting cheesy delight? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While ricotta and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to mix in your favorites. Creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar can add a unique twist that you’ll love!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the stuffed shells and layer them in the crockpot the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them. It makes dinner time a breeze!
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No worries! You can bake these stuffed shells in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Just cover them with foil to keep them moist.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving. It’s an easy way to amp up the flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot stuffed shells a comforting cheesy delight is super simple! Just let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to portion them out for easy reheating!
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Imprimer
Crockpot Stuffed Shells: 5 Steps to Cheesy Comfort
- Temps Total: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Crockpot stuffed shells are a comforting cheesy delight, perfect for family dinners.
Ingrédients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, 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 the stuffed shells in the crockpot in a single layer.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot model.
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat for extra protein.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: crockpot stuffed shells, cheesy stuffed pasta, easy dinner recipes
