Italian food is a favorite around our house, but it seems like we are always having spaghetti and lasagna. This recipe puts a spin on stuffed shells that uses cheese and beef (or Italian sausage, if you prefer). The meal is delicious and filling and perfect for any night of the week. I found this cheesy beef stuffed pasta shells recipe online and made it my own. It does take some preparation because you have to cook the shells and the meat prior to baking.
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells Ingredients:
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 lb. ground beef (I usually use at least 80% lean)
1 jar tomato pasta sauce
1/4 cup of water
8 oz. of cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese (mozzarella works well, too)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook and drain pasta shells according to package directions. Cook ground beef in skillet, stirring. Drain and let cool slightly. Mix the pasta sauce and water in a bowl. Pour one cup of the pasta sauce and water mixture in the bottom of a baking dish; a 13 x 9 dish works the best. Mix 1 cup of the Italian cheese, an egg, Parmesan cheese, cottage cheese and cooked ground beef in a bowl. Stuff each shell with a heaping spoonful of cheese and beef mixture and arrange shells over the sauce in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce on top of the shells. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until it’s bubbly. Remove from oven and spread the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly on top. Bake for about 10 minutes.
*The amount of sauce you use is a personal preference. We like red sauce and also think it helps ensure leftovers aren’t dry, so I use a lot.
These stuffed shells are a great alternative to the traditional spaghetti and lasagna you probably serve every week or two. It’s easy and packed with flavor. Even my picky kids love it!
Serve alongside a tossed salad and some garlic or french bread and you have yourself a delicious meal.
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Category: FoodTags: easy recipes
