Freezer-Friendly Family Dinner
These delicious stuffed shells are meatless, yet hearty. An easy recipe that will have your friends and family asking for the recipe. And did I mention it’s a freezer-friendly meal? It certainly is.
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Whenever I make these stuffed shells, I’m reminded of family time around the dinner table. For example, I see Mom making dinner in our tiny little kitchen in the parsonage we lived in. And while my sister and I would be setting the table, our little brother was running around pretending he was a cowboy from the wild wild west.
For me, traditions are intensely personal and have shaped me into the person I am today. From a number of our family traditions, I’ve been able to share with family and friends so many fond memories and laughable moments. In short, traditions bring families across generations together. It’s a beautiful thing.
My mom passed this stuffed shell recipe down to me, so it’s special. In fact, I received a recipe box filled with recipes from friends and family. It’s one of my favorite wedding shower gifts. However, when I come across one that’s handwritten from my mom, I’m overwhelmed. with warm thoughts of family and tradition.
You might be surprised to find that this is a meatless dish, but it’s still incredibly filling. After having some friends over for dinner, one of them seemed to be concerned that a meal without meat would not fill her up. Paired with a salad and french bread, she was pleasantly surprised that it filled her right up.
Can you freeze Stuffed Shells?
Yes, to freeze your stuffed shells, prepare them in an aluminum pan with a cover (or use foil). When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or cook straight from the freezer. Bake at 350º F for 45-50 minutes. However, an extra hour in the oven is necessary if you’re cooking them frozen.
Other delicious meals to try:
Potato Pancake Recipe
Sweet BBQ Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Stuffed Peppers
I’m ready to get these stuffed shells in the oven. How about you? Enjoy.
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar Ragu sauce 23.8 oz
- 1 egg
- 1 container Ricotta Cheese 15 oz
- 2-1/2 cups shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese divided
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan Cheese divided
- 2 tbsp of dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions and drain. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease bottom of two 13x9x2 inch glass baking dishes.
- In a large bowl, beat egg. Stir in ricotta, cheddar cheese, 1-3/4 cups mozzarella, ½ cup parmesan, and the parsley.
- Assemble: Spread 1 cup of the pasta sauce in each of the baking dishes. Fill cooked shells with ricotta mixture. Arrange filled shells in baking dishes. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and a dash or two of parsley over the top.
- Back covered with foil until bubbly, approximately 45 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the cheese is melted approximately 5 minutes. Let stands for 5 minutes or so before serving.
I’d love to hear about your family traditions. What is something that comes to mind when it comes to dinner and/0r family time? Please be sure to share it in the comments below!
Gustare! “Enjoy” in Italian!
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Hugs and Blessings!
Neelam says
This recipe looks delicious and so easy! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks Kelly!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Neelam! You won’t be disappointed. 🙂 Have a GREAT day. xo.
Tasha says
YUM is all I can say about this! Pinned it and I can’t wait to make it for my family ASAP!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Tasha! Appreciate you stopping by and for the Pin! I’m sure that your family will love this dish. 🙂 Have a wonderful day. HUGS.
Susan says
Love me some Ragu! Plus, I am always happy to go vegetarian when there is cheese involved! Thanks for sharing your recipe and your memories.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Susan! I appreciate it. This recipe has always been one of my favorites. 🙂 I’m sure that you will enjoy it. Enjoy the rest of your week. xo.
Katie Nathey says
Yay for a yummy meatless meal, and this is my kind of comfort food. Also, I love that you received a box of recipes for your wedding, that sounds so special 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Katie! 🙂 That box of recipes was a treasure gift…I still smile when I see some of the hand written recipe cards from friends and family. HUGS!
Ashley Broviak - Little Glass Jar says
These just made my mouth water! Adding to my meal plan for sure! Thanks for the recipe!!!
Kelly Rowe says
Ashley…these are hard to pass up having seconds on. 🙂 That’s how good they are. lol. You will love them. xo.
Summer says
This looks delicious Kelly! I can’t wait to try it!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Summer! You won’t be disappointed. 🙂 This recipe is sure to shine! 🙂 Have a great day. HUGS.
Aniko@PlaceOfMyTaste says
Ragu is my choice of sauce every time! This dish looks crazy delish! Thanks for sharing!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Aniko! I appreciate it. 🙂 Ragu is definitely a GREAT sauce. Hope you’ll give the recipe a try. xo.
Alexis says
Oh yum! This looks so good! My mom used to make stuffed shells all the time, so this definitely takes me back.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks for stopping by Alexis. Hope you’ll give these stuffed shells a try. Happy Monday! HUGS.
Maria says
Great dinner idea!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Maria! Hope you’ll give the recipe a try. Have a great day! xo.
Liz says
I love stuffed shells—and topping with Ragu makes these perfect for those busy nights! SO yummy!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Liz! These are definitely a great “go to” dinner. Enjoy! HUGS.
Amy W says
I love stuffed shells, I will have to make this one!
Kelly Rowe says
You won’t be disappointed with this recipe Amy! 🙂 Enjoy and have a great day! xo.
Krista says
These sound incredible!! Family traditions… I think eating together at the dinner table is one of the most important ones!
Kelly Rowe says
I couldn’t agree more Krista! 🙂 Hope you’ll give these stuffed shells a try. HUGS.
Rachel Hinderliter says
These look delicious! I absolutely love cheesy stuffed shells, but I’ve never once tried to make them. I’m definitely going to have to try this recipe!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Rachel! This recipe is super easy…so you should give them a try. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your day. xo.