Crispy Meat Stuffed Shells are a fun take on a classic – the perfect party appetizer!
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We’ve all had stuffed shells, but have you ever taken your stuffed shells, bread them, then deep fry them?
Trust me. They’re even better than they look!
I love to create recipes that are familiar, but with a fun new take. And this simple dinner turned party food sure fits that bill! Check out the variation for a super easy weeknight dinner idea!
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Crispy Meat Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 Tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper, for sprinkling
- Oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
For assembly:
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo shells, cooked according to package directions
- 2/3 cup flour
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 1 heaping cup breadcrumbs
- Oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: heat oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add basil, oregano, garlic and parsley. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over each side of the meat.
- Heat a small amount of oil in frying pan over high heat. Sear meat for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Use a spoon or meat chopper to break up the ground beef into small chunks.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onions and marinara sauce, stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, until meat is cooked through.
- Assemble shells: fill each shell with some of the meat mixture. Do not overfill, and try to fold the edges of the shell into itself, to close the shell and encase the meat.
- Dip a shell into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. If the shell isn’t closed on its own, use a toothpick to seal it so the meat remains covered.
- Heat a few inches of oil over medium heat. Add shells (work in batches to avoid overcrowding) and fry for 2-4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and drain on a cooling rack or paper towel.
Notes
Note: make a creamy dipping sauce (as pictured) by mixing together marinara sauce with mayo.
Variation: skip the stuffing, breading and frying and use this delicious filling as an easy dinner by mixing it with your favorite shape of cooked pasta.
Plan ahead: This recipe can be frozen in an airtight bag or container. Reheat uncovered to retain crispness.
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Thanks for stopping by and enjoy these treats! – Miriam
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