Lasagna stuffed shells combine the flavors of lasagna with the ease of stuffed pasta shells. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 16 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef or ground Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Cook the large pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat (Optional):
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage (if using) until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat (or to a separate skillet with a little olive oil if you’re not using meat). Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Marinara Sauce and Seasonings:
- Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and add the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for a few minutes to heat the sauce through.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, covering them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your lasagna stuffed shells hot and enjoy the delicious combination of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce.
Lasagna stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the layering process. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding sautéed vegetables or using different types of cheese to suit your taste.