Best Simple Stuffed Shells Recipes

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SIMPLE STUFFED SHELLS



Simple Stuffed Shells image

A make-ahead version of an Italian classic, these cooked pasta shells are stuffed with hearty beef, ricotta and mozzarella. Make a double batch and keep one in the freezer for a handy potluck dish.

Provided by By Paula Jones

Categories     Entree

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained
Salt and pepper to taste
1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Additional chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add beef. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked. Stir in tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low; cook uncovered about 20 minutes until liquid is reduced.
  • Meanwhile, cook and drain pasta shells as directed on box, using minimum cook time. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
  • In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the egg and 2 tablespoons basil.
  • Spoon about 2 cups meat sauce into baking dish. Using small spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons cheese mixture (do not overfill). Invert shells and place on sauce in baking dish. Spoon remaining meat sauce over shells. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake uncovered about 30 minutes until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted. Garnish with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 680, Carbohydrate 62 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 43 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 870 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1 g

SIMPLE STUFFED SHELLS (WITH NO MEAT OPTION)



Simple Stuffed Shells (With No Meat Option) image

For nights when you are too tired to fuss much. Adapted from Woman's Day. The cook time includes 20 minutes for cooking the pasta shells - this goes even faster if you already have your shells cooked,& drained in advance. NOTE: You might not need all of the shells in the box - before cooking, lay out the dry shells in your pan first to see how many you will need and only cook that many.

Provided by HeatherFeather

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h15m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (12 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
1 -2 cup light ricotta cheese (use full amount if not using meat or for extra cheesey)
1 1/2 cups cooked sausage, crumbled (optional)
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed, very finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh romano cheese or 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (optional) or 2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce or 1 (26 ounce) jar homemade pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F and grease a 9x13" casserole; if you have not already done so, prepare pasta shells according to package directions and also brown your sausage, drain & crumble.
  • Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, all of the ricotta (use 2 cups if not using meat or if you like it very cheesey, even if you are using meat, otherwise use just 1 cup), as well as the parsley (reserving a small amount to garnish), egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, nutmeg and black pepper.
  • Pour sauce into the baking dish and then set the unfilled shells on top facing up so that you can fill them.
  • Evenly portion out the crumbled sausage, if using, in the bottom of each shell.
  • Spoon filling to a large ziptop plastic bag and snip off one corner.
  • Pipe about 2 Tbsp filling into the each of the prepared pasta shells, or as much or as little as you prefer.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until sauce is bubbling under the foil.
  • Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and bake, uncovered, for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
  • Serve extra sauce from the pan on the side.

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