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Homemade Cheesy Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells photo

Cheesy Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells

This Cheesy Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells recipe combines comfort food with fun! Jumbo shells filled with ground beef and cheese, topped with tangy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffed Shells:
  • 10 oz jumbo shells
  • 1 ½ pound ground beef or sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded for topping
  • Shredded lettuce for serving
  • Chopped fresh tomatoes for serving
  • Diced pickles for serving
  • Thousand Island dressing for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Cooking Directions:
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, being careful not to tear the shells.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Carefully fill each cooked shell with a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
  6. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce and beef broth together. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the shells.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffed shells for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Serve with shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes, diced pickles, and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing for that authentic burger experience!

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the jumbo shells; they should still have a bit of firmness to hold the filling.
  • If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This recipe is easily doubled to serve a larger crowd, just use a bigger baking dish.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta shells.