Italian Grandma Makes Stuffed Shells with Meat

MEAT STUFFED SHELLS
(Makes approximately 36 Shells)
Sauce:
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
½ cup Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, chopped
32 oz Tomato Puree
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper
5-6 Leaves Fresh Basil
Meat Preparation:
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
½ cup Yellow Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, chopped
2 lbs. Ground Beef
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper
2 Tbsp Salt in water for Pasta Shells
12 oz Jumbo Pasta Shells
Filling Mixture:
Cooked Meat Preparation
2 extra large Eggs
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Black Pepper
½ cup Bread Crumbs
¾ cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, grated
6 oz Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
½ cup Prepared Sauce
Top with a sprinkling of grated Pecorino Romano Cheese and an additional 6 oz shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese
Bake at 350F for 45 minutes with the last 5 minutes uncovered
COOKBOOK: "Cooking with Grandma Gina" is available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook.
Recipes in cookbook are based on videos released prior to March 2021.
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FAQ:
Who is this lady?
Gina Petitti was born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy. It is in the province of Foggia in the Puglia region of southeast Italy. Her family ran a farm in Italy and she met her husband, Vito, in the same town. In 1970 Gina, Vito, and her 4 children immigrated to America. Gina’s husband passed away in 2012, but she is surrounded by a large family, which includes 9 grandchildren, and lives 5 minutes away from her eldest daughter in New Jersey. Gina enjoys making food for her family in the same old fashion ways as she was taught by her mother and grandmother in Italy, and also new things she has subsequently learned from family and friends in America. She also enjoys gardening, and being an active member of her local Church.
Where does Gina get her recipes?
Most of these recipes are from what she learned growing up in Italy, but some of them have evolved over time. She has also learned new recipes from friends and family in America. She is always eager to try new things.
Why is no one helping her in the video?
Grandma Gina doesn’t want help! Usually, it’s because we will slow her down or not do it “her way.” For the videos we only show her, but when the camera cuts we jump in and help form the cookies or prep for the next step.
Why don’t we buy her a new...?
Grandma Gina has a closet and garage full of new gadgets, spoons, forks, pots, etc… but she doesn’t like them because she is used to doing it with her old tools. She has fun getting her hands dirty!
Who is behind the camera and behind the scenes?
Grandma Gina’s retired son-in-law, Nick, does the filming, editing, production, and channel management. Her daughter, Maria, helps with food preparation, kitchen setup and fan support. Also, Grandma Gina usually has one or two grand-kids in the kitchen to help.
Does Gina read the comments?
We print out and show her how much love she gets from all her viewers, and she is very thankful and hopes you enjoy her cooking! Your comments bring her lots of joy, laughter, and inspiration to make more videos to share with you.
Thank you for watching, we hope you subscribe, and we will see you in our next video!

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Take your time...that's why we love you. Calm in a world gone mad.

[@nezhaelfasi2386]

✨️👍😘arivedetchi

[@caveman5831]

" if you want to eat you gotta cook " - Nonna Gina 2020 the wise words of a beautiful lady, i bet she never orders take away coz she can make it better and more healthier and her secret ingredient is LOVE which you definitely don't get from lots of fast food chains..

[@relentless3735]

I love how Grandma Gina begins the videos, "Hello, I'm Gina". Grandma Gina, you are an absolute legend we know who you are sweetheart ♥️💋 Love all of your videos, God Bless from Michigan 🍝

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Bless you Gina for a long healthy life! You give thousands of people happiness in a very crazy time of life!

[@1234circle]

I second that.

[@sandib4234]

@@1234circle I third that 🤣

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

So happy to see you again Nonna💕Gina! You look wonderful! Stuffed shells are a favorite of mine so thank you for sharing this recipe with us. Be well and take good care of yourself❤

[@mike856ms]

I love that it's not swimming in sauce. JUST enough.

[@mrexcelsior1414]

Oh I love a lot of sauce🤗

[@25peyimwen]

I like mine with a lot if sauce lol

[@RealPeterGunn]

This is the beauty of working with an International Cuisine. Artistic License is the wonderful...

[@cindeefoley3870]

I made your meat stuffed shells for supper tonight. I followed your recipe exactly. The shells were DELICIOUS!!! My husband loved them & so did I. Another wonderful new recipe for my recipe box. I’ve made your Focaccia bread, Minestrone Soup, Stuffed Peppers & this one. Every one of these was a winner. Thank you so much Nonna Gina you are a fantastic cook.

[@wakeup7874]

Cindee Chevalier awww

[@irenecruz02]

Gina: what time is dinner? You always make enough in case someone stops by! Keep singing and cooking. I love to watch you!

[@jangabel6363]

Such a sweet lady.

[@bensou891]

My grand ma.i am an algerian woman of 58 old years. I love you too much grabd ma . you are so sweet .

[@hansphree3253]

In all of my 70 years I have not eaten as many Italian dishes as I have this last two years watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your recipes.

[@LockedenLoad]

Grandma Gina is the best! The entire world loves you and your cooking skills. You should make a hollywood movie! "You want to eat, you got to cook" You should sell merch!

[@clionamm]

I loved how she said that. :-)

[@fluffypinkglitterwingz8082]

She looks nice and refreshed and beautiful!!! Keep up the good work and continue to take care Grama!

[@jameswainne188]

this woman is magic.......she portrays the life of an Italian immigrant and the love she puts into what she does is incredible...god bless her.....

[@pietrococchiara5174]

@

[@joycebrannen1943]

I loved the Recipe...but your singing Grandma? Now we treasure you. Must be sooo fun at your TABLE! God Bless!

[@amywendlandt8360]

She looks so happy sharing her recipes! love it

[@raymond5194]

I really want to cook with Gina hang out or at least meet her. Huge hugs from Miami. My kitchen my home is open to Gina and family.

[@jayceledonia8447]

Made these for my friend, who is a professional chef who cooked for people like Mr, Fred Rogers and Arnold Palmer, and has been cooking in many fine Italian restaurants the past 35 years. His comment is that this was the best stuffed shells he has ever tasted. He wanted to know where I got the recipe and I showed him the video. Now he is watching you too. Absolutely delicious! These were not only easy to make, but fun too. My only variation is that I air fried the ground meat and it the grease was removed and made the cleanup even easier.

[@s.d.berquist6866]

Glad you shared, Mr. Celedonia. Now I’m convinced to make them for sure.

[@mariapepper1666]

Dear Gina, I am so very happy to see you are still preparing these most delicious dinners. This makes me long for the days when I cooked with my mother - especially for the holidays, At Thanksgiving she would prepare a turkey, stuffing, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, a variety of roasted vegetables, and brown gravy. But first we had Italian escarole soup. There was, of course, lasagna and all the gravy meats! This is the God's honest truth! Gina, there were only 4 of us growing up. We had left-overs forever but, we never complained. Sending prayers an love from Rhode Island. God bless and stay safe!!

[@missellie6581]

Me too! I love my memories of holidays and all the food. I still make them the way my family did 🙏🏼

[@dhurley8522]

💯❤️ Gina makes me miss my mom too.. they were so much alike 🇮🇹🙏🏻❤️

[@michellemaria8862]

We were only 4 as well, but usually had my Nonna, Zia Rita (Tizi, I called her😉) and my cousin Michael. And EVERYTHING you listed, sometimes ravioli instead of lasagna. We ate it all in less than an hour! But sat at the table for many more! ❤️ All those mentioned are gone, except my brother. I miss them, and those days, immensely. 💔

[@mariapepper1666]

@@michellemaria8862 Yes, you are right! We did finish in less than an hour but, sat at the table for who know how long. Desserts came out soon after dinner. My Dad was a baker so there were plenty of pies, cookies, etc. We would be so full from dinner but, there was always room for a helping (or two) of dessert. I miss those days, terribly. Like, you, it is just my sister and me. God bless!

[@TheRealistFan]

Sweet Jesus!!! I wish this FANTASTIC Momma was my neighbor.She might bust my stones for not goin to mass but she would never lift a finger to move or lift ANYTHING.If this is your grandmother...GOD gave u winning POWERBALL ticket.She is AWESOME.

[@dhurley8522]

I agree 💯 I adore her too.. Her family is so lucky and blessed to have her 🙏🏻❤️

[@frankcurley]

A wonderful meal to make on a cold wet Sunday afternoon in November!

[@lyndaalterio1027]

You bring such joy to my heart, Gina, when I watch you cook!! I love your channel and all the delicious food you make. Can I come and live with you and become your adopted little sister???? Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha I'd probably wind up weighing 300 lbs. with all of your good cooking - but I could help you - better yet - I'll be your taste tester!! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Thank you and God Love you for being such a wonderful, loving person!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@graceofgod679]

She reminds me so much of my Mom! I wish she was on cameo, I’d book a shout out so I could hear her talk in Italian to me. Please tell her she gives me a little piece of my Mom every time I watch her cook. My Mom used to sing when she cooked, too. ❤️ Mille grazie, Signora Gina.

[@quicksilvertears921]

I LOVE stuffed shells. I can't wait to try your recipe. I was afraid you were not going to taste it for us. That is my favorite part of the ending. Yum.

[@camilleciampa7410]

Hello Nonna Gina. I have to makes these shells with the meat. Delicious! I always make them with the ricotta but I have to make the meat ones now. Grazie Nonna Gina. Ti voglio tanto bene assai assai. God bless you. 😘❤

[@GinaLGuccione]

I'm new to the world of cooking (53 and Italian, I know I know) and we actually raise our own meat now. With such an abundance I'm always looking for new recipes for my honey and me, this one looks divine. Will be making tomorrow, can't wait to try!

[@confranfan]

Every week at mass my wife and I pray that one Sunday morning we wake up and find this sweet little lady in our kitchen cooking a nice Italian meal! Is that too much to ask? 😊😊😊 By the way although I thought it was impossible this little sweetheart just got even cuter! You are the best Gina! Bless you always!

[@bubblespaws5498]

She’s adorable

[@mariacasella979]

Another amazing💕wonderful💕delish 💕homemade 💕with love💕heritage💕real Italian dishes💕✨memories that are soo special and so interesting to hear when you sing and tell us about your life💕much needed much appreciated 💕You are a blessing Nona Gina💕please stay safe and healthy💕Thank you for sharing this with us 💕✨🙏🏻💕🙏🏻💕🙏🏻💕

[@annar6430]

💝💝💝 Giving Thanks for Nonna Gina 💖💖💖

[@TheBellamia05]

I cried when she sang 😢 wish you was my nonna 🥰😍

[@lydialauro2059]

Gina, always happy to see you. Can't wait to try this delicious recipe.All your recipes are so delicious.. Thank You always!!

[@myeverchanginglife4507]

Happiness is hearing grandma Gina say “Little by little” & “Olio (olive oil)” ❤️❤️❤️

[@davidevans2030]

Happiness is hearing Gina, say ,, You gotta eat! '' Because you know it's gonna be Good ! 😃

[@leenow3147]

I am soooo glad you made these. I have had them, but only make the cheese ones. I'm doing these this week. Thank you! I always trust your recipes.

[@anthonyg7933]

I just found my Christmas dinner! Love the singing too! Thanks Gina!!

[@travisharris3555]

What a beautiful soul she always puts a smile on my face and such a wonderful cook

[@daliasciullo8623]

Thank you for preparing another authentic Italian meal. I just watched this video with my 95 year old aunt. God Bless you. Keep sharing your recipes with all of us.👍 🙏🍲

[@lyndaalterio1027]

Hi Ms. Gina - so nice to be with you again! I haven't been on your channel very much and I've missed seeing you and trying your recipes! I have a request - if you can could you possibly make Melanese Con Sardi - made on St. Joseph's Day. I would really appreciate it since I lost my mother-in-laws recipe and I don't want to make a mistake making it. I miss this dish very much. Thank you, Gina!!! God Bless You and your beautiful family!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@monamaalouf6686]

Thank you Grandma Gina... God bless you 🙏 looks very delicious and easy to cook 👍

[@Terri143]

Ms Gina - I sure needed this today. You, your sweet nature and amazing food brought me out of my “blues” today. Thank you! God Bless!

[@elsyduart9516]

God bless you Always Nonna 🙏🏽👏🏼 So glad to see you doing good 🤗🤗 thank you very much for always sharing your good and delicious recipes with us.🙏🏽👏🏼😚😚

[@moniquebrown1678]

I’m not Italian but I love your videos especially when you sing beautiful songs about our Blessed Mother and blessing your flour. Beautiful devotion ❤️

[@abfabhax793]

Love this woman. I canned tomatoes now because of her.

[@noelleagape8684]

I'm Italian and this is making me hungry! I haven't made stuffed shells in awhile. I enjoy watching Gina cook and sing! My Grandfather would have loved Gina! Thank you for putting so much song and love in your preparation! Bono apetite! Your family is blessed!

[@freedomchance9982]

"Hello. I'm Gina!!" I smile each time you say that. Thank you for being so amazing and sharing your love of great and delicious Italian food and culture!!! Blessings and love to you and your family.

[@cullumkille2372]

This is my daughter's favorite meal. It looks delicious.

[@avengernemesis7990]

Whether you are living in the US or in Australia Italians are all the same. They are great cooks, delightful hosts and I have had the same doctor for 27 years who's parents were immigrants from Italy.. Australia

[@seanbryant2848]

Thank you, Gina, for your lovely recipe! May God shower you with His abundant blessings! I love you always!

[@steveec9704]

Sembra deliziosa nonna spero che tu abbia un meraviglioso Ringraziamento spendendo con la famiglia

[@umfiona]

Darling Gina! Always so cheerful, happy, and uplifting. Gina is the antidote to the winter blues. Bless you dear Gina. Love your singing. We’re all hungry for your good food. Salute.

[@ritabrunetti381]

Thank you Gina for sharing your recipe with us!!

[@rosemarycrumm9464]

You are adorable Gina. ...I never was able to see my grandma cooking never got her recipes ..Thank You..for sharing and cooking for us..🥰

[@joanneborelli7586]

Hi!!!!! Gina😍😘😍 We Love You!!!! We can’t wait to make these stuffed shells!!!!! Just hearing your voice makes our day‼️🌹‼️🌹‼️🌹🌹🌹 Thank You so much for all your secrets!!!! God Bless You & your Wonderful Family❤️❤️❤️ Your kitchen smells delicious😇🌹😇🌹

[@OwlingDogDesign]

God bless you, Gina!

[@cristinadanapaidos8381]

Much love,grandma!God bless you and your wonderful family!❤️❤️❤️🥀🥀🥀🍀

[@GolDreadLocks]

Thank you Nonna Gina, for all your hard work in teaching us your secrets in the kitchen,! 💕 Delish on your dish!

[@nkaradogan34]

God bless your hands Gina. You're such a beautiful soul 💕

[@wendymarie5058]

Nothing is better than Italian cooking from a real Italian grandma!! Looks delicious!!!

[@PeaceFan1]

Watching you Mama, Just EASES ALL of my Stress! Thank you, you are a Treasure! xoxoxoxoxoxo

[@pastagirl1]

PeaceFan1........ME TOO!!!

[@BuncesSpecialtyHomemade]

Golly, You must love dinner time at Gina's House... Gina I am wishing You and Your Family a Safe Holiday Season..

[@abigailsanchez7722]

I’m only 51 and work 40+ hours a week and I don’t have the energy that this sweet old lady has. If I did I would spend my weekends cooking like her. Beautiful women…beautiful soul.

[@Dipper25]

Nonna Gina, it looks delicious! You made me so hungry! God bless you! 😋❤️🙏🏻

[@isabelnegron658]

Grandma you look great. GOD Bless you and I love your food😘❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ginamorrone947]

You make so many people happy I hope you realize how many people's lives you touch! My Nana is gone and so much I miss the other one thank you from when Gina to another may God bless you with his light shine upon you amen

[@theoldbigmoose]

How can anyone give Nonna Gina a thumbs down? She is the greatest! Love you Nonna and your recipes. Just like my Nonna Maria used to teach me as a wee little boy!

[@melaniesmith1313]

Oh boy! Thank you for showing us this wonderful recipe, Gina. May God bless you.

[@majaveljovic5539]

What a cute lady!🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️

[@soopahiishua162]

I love watching your videos grandma! You remind me sooo much of my nana! God called her home a year ago.. but I watch your videos and it makes me feel better.🥰❤️ your passion for cooking was so much like hers.💕 bless you and your family!

[@imanerhouddani8800]

You are amazing salutations from morocco

[@kathleenhardwick7650]

So delicious looking. When I see this meal. I really miss my Italian Mom! Trays of stuffed shells for Christmas.

[@SandiD1959]

Gina, can you do a video about a typical Southern Italian celebratory dinner. As a child visiting family in Cassino I remember several courses and would like to remember what each course was and how it was cooked. Perhaps you could do it over several videos. Love watching your videos. My Dad was from Southern Italy but I grew up in England!

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

There's a book called Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner you might like.

[@SandiD1959]

@@nonenoneonenonenone Thank you I will look it up

[@vbranco6726]

Aloha Tutu Gina🌺 In Hawai’i we would say this dish looks so Ono! Mahalo me ke aloha lā! Thank you with love!!!! I love waking up in the morning and watching you. You begin my day with peace, joy, love of living and nurturing our minds and bodies with your beautiful dishes and loving hear. Mahalo nui to you Tutu Gina and to your lovely ihan (family) who helps bring you into our lives and homes. We are so richly blessed with you in our lives. Aloha💞♥️💝

[@lulububu721]

Nonna Gina, you are amazing! I love watching you and listening to you and love when you sing 🎵 soooo beautiful! Your food always looks delicious, I wish you lived beside me 💖 thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful and delicious videos with us, we love you! 😘

[@andreaszule1558]

My goodness! Looks good and I sure it's delicious! So much love! Every recipe I cooked from your came out perfect! You are my favorite person to watch because you remind me of my dear mother. She loved her family and especially the grandkids. She was a great cook too. We are hungarian. God bless you and keep you healthy.❤

[@azucenavalencia1568]

We love grandma recipes 😍 😋 💕 bless her

[@jenniferlowe9211]

I love watching you cook! Remind a lot of my grandmother. I was wondering can you one day make or share a recipe of arancini rice balls?

[@mrexcelsior1414]

It's always a pleasant day when I see Grandma Gina👍

[@numbersixson3980]

Greetings from NNJ Nona Gina. My immediate family is of American / Irish 🇺🇸🍀 lineage and my parents made stuffed shells almost exactly like you. The only difference between recipes is my folks made shells with the meat and ricotta cheese combined. They made sure my five brothers and only sister always had meat for every supper. God Bless Their Souls. Next time I make shells I'll use your recipes, one tray with meat, the other with Ricotta. Stay well Nonna, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. God Bless America❗ 🗽🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🗽

[@evahimo171]

Nice to hear that you are healthy! I love your blog! 👍🖐🌹🥰❤

[@majaveljovic5539]

Greatings from Serbia.

[@pernillakallmark9068]

I love your cannel and You bring such joy meny huggs from North of Sweden

[@gwenzangari6575]

Every time I see you I become HAPPY looks delicious ❤💕

[@Billy-dj8zw]

You always brighten up my day, grandma Gina!

[@peggiegreen4420]

This looks absolutely delicious!! I would love to sit in her kitchen! She can cook, I'll sit and drink wine! Lol! Love you Grandma Gina ❤️ you're the best!

[@joybertino5847]

Nonna Gina you make me so hungry, it looks so delicious! God bless you and thank you, your such a pleasure to watch and learn from 😘

[@Linda-kq8ef]

God Bless You Sweet Lady, and Thank You for sharing your recipe !!! ✝️💟🥰

[@melaniewestin7183]

Makes me miss my grandma. This looks delicious. Personal preference, I would put more sauce on them prior to cooking.

[@kathyhanks2750]

Now I am starving after watching you. Thank you for sharing and I am off to the store so I can buy the ingredients. Many blessings Grandma Gina to you and your family

[@daniellegodfrey2247]

Lovely Gina, Gracie!

[@pastagirl1]

I love the double wooden spoon mixing! I do that now too!!

[@dianemarie8873]

Thank you for sharing your recipe with us!❤🤗 May God bless you!💖

[@deborahoconnell339]

Been a loyal fan for years now! See you are approaching 1 million SOON! Thank you Gina, for being you and a friend and grandma to those whom miss their own! Thank you for being an " accidental celebrity chef"! We love you! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! God Bless you and your family, always.

[@nenac3741]

She’s such a sweet lady. These look delicious. I’ll have to make some stuffed shells.

[@EZLIFESLOTJACKPOTS]

I’ve never had stuffed shells with meat sounds delicious Nonna Gina ciao Bella

[@fmaliz27]

We love you, I love your singing ❤

[@melzwings]

Hi Gramma Gina!! Thank you for the wonderful recipe!! I cant wait to cook this!! I hope all is well and you have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@madelinebrunorodriguez]

Love watching your grandma She’s so sweet. I gotta make these, Looks so good and different from the usual thx

[@kariblackwood5811]

I’ve made my shells with ricotta, spinach and shredded chicken. It was an experiment and it turned out incredible! I’m going to make the one you just showed without the ricotta. Looks amazing! And I love a lot of mozzarella! 😊❤

[@e.j.griffin1758]

Gina, there's no such thing as too much mozzarella in a dish. Loved watching this and can't wait to make it.

[@donnawatson845]

This looks fabulous!! I wonder how mine will turn out...??

[@fairyredding8582]

Did you use susage or hamburger meat?

[@jak30341]

Fairy Redding I would use a combo personally

[@lindaedwards9756]

Nonna Gina any advise on how to make cannoli? It is my husband’s favorite and I’ve never mastered them . Love all your videos. Pretty sure I’ve seen most of them . So grateful that you’re sharing and teaching from your loving heart. The world needs way more people like you . What a blessing.

[@Nina-725]

Linda my mother back in the day made cannoli it is unbelievable how much time and work is needed just to make the shell it’s impossible for one person to do. Then the filling is another project. Too much work and time consuming but it is so delicious no bakery can make cannoli like home made.

[@lindaedwards9756]

I can believe it . I’ve used the premade shells and they are okay when I can find them . Very fragile.