{"id":102500,"date":"2025-11-25T10:24:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T10:24:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/25\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells-cheesy-and-easy\/"},"modified":"2025-11-25T10:24:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T10:24:55","slug":"million-dollar-stuffed-shells-cheesy-and-easy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/25\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells-cheesy-and-easy\/","title":{"rendered":"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells (Cheesy and Easy)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aff-disc\">\n<p>This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/privacy-policy\/\">disclosure policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shared-counts-hidden-image-container\" style=\"display:none;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"shared-counts-hidden-image\" data-pin-description=\"These Million Dollar Stuffed Shells are loaded with cheese, savory meat sauce, and the creamiest filling. A cozy baked pasta dish everyone loves.\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg\"\/><img width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg\" class=\"shared-counts-hidden-image\" data-pin-description=\"These Million Dollar Stuffed Shells are loaded with cheese, savory meat sauce, and the creamiest filling. A cozy baked pasta dish everyone loves.\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div>\n<p><input class=\"jpibfi\" type=\"hidden\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Million dollar stuffed shells take all the <strong>creamy, cheesy goodness<\/strong> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-spaghetti\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">classic<\/a> and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves <\/span>it, and it\u2019s easy\u00a0to make!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" alt=\"Overhead shot of the baked million dollar stuffed shells in a baking dish. \" class=\"wp-image-320710\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--1200x1799.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--150x225.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--1200x1799.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--1200x1799.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead shot of the baked million dollar stuffed shells in a baking dish. \" class=\"wp-image-320710\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--1200x1799.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole--150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"block-tip cwp-inner cwp-large\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading block-tip__title\">Why These Shells Steal the Show<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Perfectly Portioned:<\/strong>\u00a0The jumbo shells act like little edible bowls, giving you a balanced mix of sauce, cheese, and pasta in each bite.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Great for Prepping Ahead:<\/strong>\u00a0You can assemble the dish in advance, pop it in the fridge, and bake when you\u2019re ready. It\u2019s freezer-friendly, too!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make it Your Own:<\/strong>\u00a0This recipe is easy to switch up with different proteins, herbs, or cheeses to match your mood or what you have on hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block-quick-tips cwp-large\"><!-- .block-quick-tips__icon --><\/p>\n<div class=\"block-quick-tips__inner\">\n<div class=\"block-quick-tips__content cwp-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ingredients-for-million-dollar-stuffed-shells\">Ingredients for Million Dollar Stuffed Shells<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"Overhead shot of labeled sauce ingredients. \" class=\"wp-image-320849\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-1200x800.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells.png 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-150x100.png 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-1200x800.png\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-1200x800.png\" alt=\"Overhead shot of labeled sauce ingredients. \" class=\"wp-image-320849\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-1200x800.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells.png 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShells-150x100.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-fancy\">\n<li><strong>The Meats:<\/strong>\u00a0Mix and match your meats, sausage, beef, turkey, or chicken. Just make sure it adds up to a pound.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marinara:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/easiest-homemade-marinara\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Homemade<\/a> is always delicious, but a good-quality jarred sauce keeps this dinner quick, easy, and stress-free.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Red Pepper Flakes:<\/strong>\u00a0Add a pinch (or two or three!) to the sauce for a kick of heat that complements the rich cheese filling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" alt=\"Overhead shot of labeled million dollar cheese filling ingredients.  \" class=\"wp-image-320850\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-1200x800.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling.png 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-150x100.png 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-1200x800.png\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-1200x800.png\" alt=\"Overhead shot of labeled million dollar cheese filling ingredients.  \" class=\"wp-image-320850\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-1200x800.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling.png 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IngredientsWithLabelsMillionDollarShellsMillionDollarCheeseFilling-150x100.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-fancy\">\n<li><strong>Cottage Cheese or Ricotta:<\/strong>\u00a0You can easily swap 1:1 cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extra Cheese Topping:<\/strong>\u00a0Feel free to pile on more mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mozzarella:<\/strong>\u00a0Shred your own low-moisture mozzarella. It melts better, tastes better, and costs less than pre-shredded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- .block-quick-tips__inner --><\/div>\n<p> <!-- .block-quick-tips --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-make-million-dollar-stuffed-shells\">How to Make Million Dollar Stuffed Shells<\/h2>\n<p>This stuffed shell recipe is a family favorite and goes well with a <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/copycat-olive-garden-salad\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">simple side salad<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/the-best-homemade-garlic-bread\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">garlic bread<\/a>, or even <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/parmesan-roasted-vegetables\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">roasted vegetables<\/a> for a hearty meal any night of the week. Prep ahead, bake when ready, and enjoy a dinner everyone will love.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-fancy\">\n<li><strong>Prep the Pasta:<\/strong> Preheat the oven to 375\u00baF. Spray a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/pyrex-9-34-x13-34-glass-deep-casserole-dish-with-lid-sage-green\/-\/A-88156166\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\">9 x 13-inch baking dish<\/a> with nonstick cooking spray, then set it aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook\u00a0the jumbo shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with 1-2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cook the Meat:<\/strong> Add\u00a0the ground beef\u00a0and\u00a0Italian sausage\u00a0to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/lodge-12-cast-iron-skillet\/-\/A-10291923#lnk=sametab\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\">large skillet<\/a> and cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Saut\u00e9 Onion and Garlic:<\/strong> Add\u00a0the olive oil\u00a0and onion\u00a0to the skillet, and cook for about 2 minutes before adding\u00a0the garlic. Cook for an additional minute, then stir in\u00a0the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\">marinara sauce<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/italian-seasoning\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Italian seasoning<\/a>. Season with\u00a0salt and pepper\u00a0to taste and remove from the heat.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make the Million Dollar Stuffed Shells Filling:<\/strong> Add\u00a0the cream cheese, cottage cheese,\u00a0sour cream, 1 \u2153 cups mozzarella, and\u00a0parmesan\u00a0to a large bowl and mix until combined by hand or with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/kitchenaid-go-cordless-hand-mixer-battery-included-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia\/-\/A-88431338#lnk=sametab\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\">electric mixer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped is-style-numbered wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320853\" alt=\"Jumbo pasta shells boiling in a large pot. \" class=\"wp-image-320853\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320853\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Jumbo pasta shells boiling in a large pot. \" class=\"wp-image-320853\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320854\" alt=\"Ground beef and Italian sausage cooking in a skillet. \" class=\"wp-image-320854\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320854\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Ground beef and Italian sausage cooking in a skillet. \" class=\"wp-image-320854\" title=\"Million dollar stuffed shells take all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic and wrap it into fun jumbo shells. It\u2019s cozy, everyone loves it, and it's easy\u00a0to make!\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320856\" alt=\"Onion and garlic added to the \" class=\"wp-image-320856\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320856\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Onion and garlic added to the \" class=\"wp-image-320856\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320851\" alt=\"Cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and parmesan mixed together in a mixing bowl. \" class=\"wp-image-320851\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320851\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and parmesan mixed together in a mixing bowl. \" class=\"wp-image-320851\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-3-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-million-dollar-stuffed-shells-assembly\">Million Dollar Stuffed Shells Assembly<\/h3>\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list is-style-fancy\">\n<li><strong>Add Marinara to Dish:<\/strong> Spread about two-thirds of the marinara mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spoon Filling into Shells:<\/strong> Stuff the cooked shells with the million dollar filling in each shell, then arrange them in an even layer over the top of the sauce.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bake:<\/strong> Spoon the remaining third of the sauce over the shells, then top with the remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley or basil, if desired, and serving.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped is-style-numbered wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320857\" alt=\"Marinara meat mixture added to the bottom of the baking dish. \" class=\"wp-image-320857\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320857\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Marinara meat mixture added to the bottom of the baking dish. \" class=\"wp-image-320857\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-4-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320855\" alt=\"Someone adding a spoonful of million dollar mixture into a jumbo pasta shell. \" class=\"wp-image-320855\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320855\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Someone adding a spoonful of million dollar mixture into a jumbo pasta shell. \" class=\"wp-image-320855\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-5-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320852\" alt=\"Someone spooning more marinara mixture to the top of the million dollar stuffed shells. \" class=\"wp-image-320852\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-1200x800.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"320852\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Someone spooning more marinara mixture to the top of the million dollar stuffed shells. \" class=\"wp-image-320852\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-1200x800.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MillionDollarShells-6-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"block-tip cwp-inner cwp-large\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading block-tip__title\">Alyssa\u2019s Pro Tips<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Perfect Pasta:<\/strong> Undercook the shells a few minutes so they stay nice and firm. They\u2019ll finish in the oven anyway. Give them a cold rinse and a quick olive-oil toss to stop them from cooking and keep them from sticking together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block-area block-area-before-recipe\">\n<div class=\"block-pinterest-cta cwp-large\">\n<p class=\"block-pinterest-cta__title\">Pin this now to find it later<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/&amp;media=https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-.jpg&amp;description=Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"wp-element-button\" data-postid=\"320348\" data-pin-do=\"none\" data-social-network=\"Pinterest\" data-social-action=\"Pin\" data-social-target=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Pin It<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"wprm-recipe-container-320351\" class=\"wprm-recipe-container\" data-recipe-id=\"320351\" data-servings=\"8\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe wprm-recipe-template-cwp-food---cook-mode\">\n<div class=\"cwp-food-content\">\n<p><label id=\"wprm-toggle-switch-253200389\" class=\"wprm-toggle-switch wprm-toggle-switch-rounded wprm-toggle-switch-outside\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wprm-prevent-sleep-checkbox-253200389\" class=\"wprm-prevent-sleep-checkbox\"\/><span class=\"wprm-toggle-switch-slider\" style=\"--switch-height: 20px;\"\/><span class=\"wprm-toggle-switch-label wprm-prevent-sleep-label wprm-block-text-bold\">Cook Mode<\/span><\/label><span class=\"wprm-prevent-sleep-description wprm-block-text-normal\">Prevent your screen from going dark<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"recipe-320351-ingredients\" class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredients-container wprm-recipe-ingredients-no-images wprm-recipe-320351-ingredients-container wprm-block-text-normal wprm-ingredient-style-regular wprm-recipe-images-before\" data-recipe=\"320351\" data-servings=\"8\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-ingredient-group\">\n<h4 class=\"wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-ingredient-group-name wprm-block-text-bold\">Million Dollar Cheese Filling<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"recipe-320351-instructions\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-recipe-320351-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal\" data-recipe=\"320351\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-group\">\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-0-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-0-1\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-0 wprm-block-text-bold\">1 (12-ounce) box jumbo shell pasta<\/span> according to the directions on the package for al dente pasta. If preferred, undercook by a few minutes to avoid overcooking in the oven. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-0-2\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-group\">\n<h4 class=\"wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-instruction-group-name wprm-block-text-none\">Sauce<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-1-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Add <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-1 wprm-block-text-bold\">\u00bd pound lean ground beef<\/span> and <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-2 wprm-block-text-bold\">\u00bd pound mild Italian sausage<\/span> to a large skillet and cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-1-1\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Add <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-5 wprm-block-text-bold\">1 tablespoon olive oil<\/span> and <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-3 wprm-block-text-bold\">\u2153 cup diced onion<\/span> to the skillet, and cook for about 2 minutes before adding <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-4 wprm-block-text-bold\">2 teaspoons minced garlic<\/span>. Cook for an additional minute, then stir in <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-6 wprm-block-text-bold\">3 cups marinara sauce<\/span> and <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-7 wprm-block-text-bold\">1 teaspoon Italian seasoning<\/span>. Season with <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-8 wprm-block-text-bold\">salt<\/span> and <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-9 wprm-block-text-bold\">ground black pepper<\/span> to taste and remove from the heat. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-group\">\n<h4 class=\"wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-instruction-group-name wprm-block-text-none\">Million Dollar Cheese Filling<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-2-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Add <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-11 wprm-block-text-bold\">8 ounces softened cream cheese<\/span>, <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-13 wprm-block-text-bold\">1 cup small-curd cottage cheese<\/span>, <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-12 wprm-block-text-bold\">\u00bd cup sour cream<\/span>, 1 \u2153 cups of the <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-14 wprm-block-text-bold\">2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese<\/span>, and <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-15 wprm-block-text-bold\">\u00bd cup shredded parmesan cheese<\/span> to a large bowl and mix until combined by hand or with an electric mixer. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-group\">\n<h4 class=\"wprm-recipe-group-name wprm-recipe-instruction-group-name wprm-block-text-none\">Assembly<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-3-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Spread about \u00be of the sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-3-1\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Stuff the shells with about 2 tablespoons of the million dollar filling in each shell, then arrange them in an even layer over the top of the sauce. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-3-2\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Spoon the remaining third of the sauce over the tops of the shells, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-320351-step-3-3\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before garnishing with <span class=\"wprm-inline-ingredient wprm-inline-ingredient-320351-16 wprm-block-text-bold\">chopped fresh parsley or basil<\/span> if desired and serving. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"recipe-320351-notes\" class=\"wprm-recipe-notes-container wprm-block-text-normal\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-notes\"><span style=\"display: block;\">Store leftover million-dollar stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second increments, or the whole pan in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"display: block;\">Prepare ahead: You may prepare and assemble these shells up to 2 days before cooking, although I recommend preparing the sauce and cheese mixture ahead of time and waiting until the day you plan to bake and serve it to cook the shells and assemble them. This will prevent the pasta from soaking up additional moisture as it sits in the refrigerator in the days prior to baking.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"display: block;\">To freeze, follow through step 9 (without preheating the oven), cover tightly with 2-3 layers of plastic wrap around the whole freezer-safe baking pan followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes of baking time to account for it being cold. Bake until the center of the dish reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If needed, tent the top with aluminum foil to avoid the cheese burning on top.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cwp-food-nutrition\">\n<div id=\"recipe-320351-nutrition\" class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-shortcode-container\">\n<p><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-calories\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Calories: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">452<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">kcal<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-carbohydrates\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Carbohydrates: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">12<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-protein\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Protein: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">25<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-fat\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">34<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-saturated_fat\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Saturated Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">16<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-polyunsaturated_fat\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Polyunsaturated Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">2<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-monounsaturated_fat\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Monounsaturated Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">12<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-trans_fat\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Trans Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">0.1<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-cholesterol\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Cholesterol: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">107<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-sodium\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Sodium: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">1114<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-potassium\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Potassium: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">575<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-fiber\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Fiber: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">2<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-sugar\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Sugar: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">6<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-vitamin_a\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Vitamin A: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">1147<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">IU<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-vitamin_c\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Vitamin C: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">8<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-calcium\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Calcium: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">307<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-iron\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px;\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: var(--wp--preset--color--foreground)\">Iron: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">2<\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-empty\" style=\"flex-basis: 230px\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"cwp-food-nutrition__disclaimer has-min-font-size\">Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" alt=\"Plated serving of million dollar stuffed pasta with a gold fork and garnished with parsley. \" class=\"wp-image-320711\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-1200x1799.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-150x225.jpg 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-1200x1799.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1799\" src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-1200x1799.jpg\" alt=\"Plated serving of million dollar stuffed pasta with a gold fork and garnished with parsley. \" class=\"wp-image-320711\" title=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/p\/rao-39-s-homemade-marinara-sauce-premium-quality-all-natural-tomato-sauce-38-pasta-sauce-keto-friendly-38-carb-conscious-24oz\/-\/A-13349580#lnk=sametab\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Million Dollar Stuffed Shells\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-1200x1799.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/million-dollar-casserole-1-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<section class=\"block-post-listing cwp-large layout-4up-grid\">\n<header>\n<div class=\"block-post-listing__title\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-italian-dinner-favorites\">More Italian Dinner Favorites<\/h2>\n<p>If you love this dish, you\u2019ll want to try more of my top <a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/italian-recipes\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\">Italian meals<\/a>. These recipes are full of taste, easy to make, and sure to please the whole crew.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<p><span class=\"cp-load-after-post\"\/><\/div>\n<p><script type=\"rocketlazyloadscript\">\n\t!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n\tn.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;\n\tn.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n\tt.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,\n\tdocument,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js' );\n\tfbq( 'init', '1748581388781497' );\t<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/therecipecritic.com\/million-dollar-stuffed-shells\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy. Million dollar stuffed shells take<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":102501,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-102500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102500","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=102500"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102500\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/102501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=102500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=102500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=102500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}