Description
Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
20 jumbo pasta shells
Salt for boiling water
For the Meat Filling:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
(for topping)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Filling:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Stuff the Shells:
Fill each cooked shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Then add a spoonful of the cooked meat mixture to each shell.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
These stuffed shells are hearty and flavorful, making for the perfect comfort food!
