How to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed shells are a favorite in my house. The variations are endless and I occasionally use the leftover grilled hamburgers or sausage, Venison, elk and chicken.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 lb pasta shells
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 8 oz ground sausage
• 1 - 2 T Italian seasoning (see tips)
• 3 c shredded cheese mozzarella
• 3 c pepper jack cheese
• 4 cups pasta sauce (see tips)

1. 

   Brown the ground beef and sausage together on low temperature. This will help break up the pieces easily. At the same time start a pot of water to boil for the pasta.

2. 

   When the water boils, add the pasta and stir occasionally so they don't stick together. Boil for 10 - 12 mins.

3. 

   While pasta boils prepare a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spray with non-stick spray and pour 1 cup of pasta sauce on the bottom.

4. 

   Pasta should not be cooked completely, it should be slightly undercooked, al dente. Drain the pasta and add 2 cups ice cubes to stop the cooking and cook the pasta quickly.

5. 

   Drain the beef of liquid if any and put in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (see tips). BREAK TIME... while the pasta and beef cook slightly, prep your red wine and make a small lettuce salad, break over...

6. 

   With slightly cooled beef add the cheese. Here I added 3 cups pepper jack cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix together.

7. 

   Carefully as to not tear the pasta, fill the shell with the beef cheese mix.

8. 

   Place the stuffed shell in the prepared pan. This if fun for the family to join in.

9. 

   Top the stuffed shells with pasta sauce. (see tips)

10. 

    Top the sauce with mozzarella cheese.

11. COVER AND BAKE ON 325 FOR 20 TO 30 MINUTES! LET COOL BEFORE SCOOPING UP THE SHELLS! ENJOY!

Tips & Warnings

• Use any leftover cooked meat, use food processor to chop it up.
• use any cheese, Monterey jack, cheddar, white cheddar...
• If you don't have pasta sauce use crushed tomatoes seasoned with salt pepper oregano and basil (dried or fresh).
• Italian seasoning I use is a mix of dried herbs, thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil sometimes I add dried sage.

[whoodo]

on 5/2/2009 My 32 year old daughter's young children usually hate leftover and they are always tossing stuff. I am passing a link on to her since she and her second husband have five children between them and this will save them money. A recommend

[geekmommy4]

on 4/22/2009 Sounds great! I never knew how to make stuffed pasta shells!

[apalmer]

on 3/26/2009 I'm printing this one too. Great recipe and love the photos! 5* Excellent.

[athome]

on 3/25/2009 I printed this off it looks great and I think I can pull it off. 5

[jenajera]

on 3/21/2009 Thanks for the recipe. We're a family of 6, so I'm always looking for easy family meals to make.