Crockpot Stuffed Shells Recipe

Crockpot Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort-food dinner! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory, cheesy beef mixture, layered with rich marinara sauce, and slow-cooked until tender and bubbling. It’s an easy, hearty meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but the slow cooker does most of the work!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package jumbo pasta shells, about 12 ounces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Shells: Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions until just slightly underdone. Drain and rinse gently with cool water so they are easier to handle.
4. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Layer the Crockpot: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the slow cooker.
6. Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the crockpot.
7. Add Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure the pasta is well covered.
8. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the shells are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the top during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
10. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the shells before stuffing them—they should remain slightly firm.
• Make sure the shells are covered with sauce so they cook evenly.
• For extra flavor, use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time, refrigerate them, and cook them later.

This is the kind of cozy, cheesy dinner that brings everyone to the table!