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.
Click on the following Amazon link for the cookbook:
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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

[@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 🤣

[@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..

[@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❤

[@joycebrannen1943]

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

[@irenecruz02]

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

[@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

[@fluffypinkglitterwingz8082]

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

[@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. :-)

[@jangabel6363]

Such a sweet lady.

[@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...

[@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]

@

[@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!!

[@Not-surprised]

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 🇮🇹🙏🏻❤️

[@michellemaria1360]

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]

@@michellemaria1360 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!

[@amywendlandt8360]

She looks so happy sharing her recipes! love it

[@bensou891]

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

[@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.👍 🙏🍲

[@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.

[@frankcurley]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ❤️

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@lydialauro2059]

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

[@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. 😘❤

[@anthonyg7933]

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

[@seanbryant2848]

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

[@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 💕✨🙏🏻💕🙏🏻💕🙏🏻💕

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@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.🙏🏽👏🏼😚😚

[@GolDreadLocks]

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

[@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.

[@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😇🌹😇🌹

[@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.

[@JOE-mq7cd]

"YOU WANNA EAT... YOU HAVE A TO COOK"! She kills me... I want that Tshirt!! Love you G

[@travisharris3555]

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

[@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!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@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!

[@monamaalouf6686]

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

[@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

[@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! 😘

[@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..🥰

[@PeaceFan1]

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

[@pastagirl1]

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

[@cullumkille2372]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@TheBellamia05]

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

[@mrexcelsior1414]

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

[@alexpollock2574]

This is Alexandra from Rockford, Illinois. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed watching your cooking show today! It looks so good! Please never stop singing during your show. I just wish I could taste what you make. Thanks for being your sweet self . 🌞

[@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 🙏🏻❤️

[@wendymarie5058]

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

[@isabelnegron658]

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

[@cristinadanapaidos8381]

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

[@nkaradogan34]

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

[@janieb1439]

Gina you moved me very much when you were singing. I am sure taste is better with singing, you put love and good Vibrations in your meal. Your family eats food but also eats love 🍴💜🍴💕🍴💓💐

[@Dipper25]

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

[@lindalee601]

Dear Gina, you put so much love into your cooking. Your family is so blessed to have you. And, you sing so beautifully. God bless you Gina. God bless. 🙏🏻🕯💗

[@steveec9704]

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

[@abfabhax793]

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

[@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❗ 🗽🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🗽

[@dalainebloom4505]

I love this Bella!! I love listening to Her prepare Her Wonderful Recipes. Mostly, I love her singing and Her Beautiful accent. Thank You for teaching Us that are not Italian Your Beautiful Recipes. 😊👍🏼👋🏼❤️✝️ God Bless You, Gina and All of Your Family and Loved Ones.

[@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.

[@melaniesmith1313]

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

[@ritabrunetti381]

Thank you Gina for sharing your recipe with us!!

[@milome305]

I love you and I love your cooking Gina. I feel like I'm in Italy. You are so SWEET. I love when you sing. Please do it more often. I send you a Hug from Kansas 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@tammykennedy2267]

I love 💕 watching her. She is the real deal. Loves her family and a great cook.

[@BuncesSpecialtyHomemade]

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

[@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 ! 😃

[@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 😘

[@nicolemaria9015]

When you sing you take me back to my childhood growing up in Newyork 😘😇🙏I love you italian grandma. Wonderful recipe.

[@OwlingDogDesign]

God bless you, Gina!

[@janis6363]

I love watching you fix these Italian dishes. I know they must be good just seeing them being prepared. Nona, you are a treasure. Your family is so blessed. KZbin viewers are blessed too. I want to come to Sunday dinner with you always.😊👋🏼💕🙏🏼

[@cedricdavis4413]

I luv how Gina breaks out into a song while cooking thats tradition & genuine love being channeled into her dishes...God Luv Ya👍🏾

[@peterossi9496]

Gina, I love cooking with you. Mi ricorda il tempo che passavo in cucina con lei. I tuoi stili e gli stili sono così simili. Resta in salute e Buon Appetito.

[@maryanneevans9563]

I love it when Grandma Gina says "it's a good". She is so precious! ❣️

[@annar6430]

💝💝💝 Giving Thanks for Nonna Gina 💖💖💖

[@sharontaylor6441]

Oh I love her! So refreshing to see someone who loves what she cooks.

[@majaveljovic5539]

What a cute lady!🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️

[@bubblespaws5498]

She’s adorable

[@angelabrake2291]

💞❤️🙏 Love you Grandma Nona! ( singing and cooking)

[@fincarosa6767]

Thank you so much for sharing your authentic Italian recipes!! ❤ and for singing your beautiful songs!! God bless you and keep you safe 🙏🏽 you're amazing, Mrs. Gina!! 🤗😘

[@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

[@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.❤

[@rosemarycarden175]

You make everyone happy & hungry. God Bless you. I watch you cook several times a day when I rest. Wish you lived close to me. You're so full of life & tour cooking shows it. Thank you again for a delightful Sunday.😅😂❤🎉

[@pernillakallmark9068]

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

[@kathleenhardwick7650]

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

[@TheNutygirl864]

Gina I always enjoy your receipts. You remind me how my mom use to cook. I sure do my best to cook like her. For those trolls that give you a thumbs down they cant cook for there lives.

[@kchasehenson57]

I wish I could be right there eating that delicious food. God bless you Gina for sharing your knowledge of cooking. We love you. 😎💜👍

[@elfowl6873]

Those shells look sooooooo delicious, Gina!!!! I love everything Italian!!. Thank you for sharing.

[@azucenavalencia1568]

We love grandma recipes 😍 😋 💕 bless her

[@oriii7783]

She's so cute with her Italian accent 😊😊 and her pasta look yummy 🤤😋

[@conve5]

Hello mama Gina another beautiful dish. I love it when you say hallelujah! That's when I know everything is turning out the way you like. God bless you and thank you!🤗

[@johnnyfish8273]

Thank you for reminding me of my Aunt Rosalie..... everything she made was with love.

[@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.