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Stuffed Shells

Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 -6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz of leftover meat
  • 18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • ½ cup of Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley or 2 tsp dried parsley
  • 2-3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 jar of pasta sauce
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Chop or shred your leftover meat.
  • Combine the meat, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, parsley and garlic together in a bowl.
  • Season with salt and pepper (you can start with a ½ tsp of each, I just do it by eye).
  • I like to let the meat and cheese mix sit in the fridge for an hour or 2 to allow the flavors to blend and to firm up a little.
  • Prepare the pasta shells according to the package directions. I recommend making 18, because 2-3 of them will likely tear and be unusable.
  • When the shells are done, stop the cooking by adding a quart or two of cold water to the pot.
  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Carefully fill the shells evenly with the meat and cheese mixture, holding the soft shells in the cupped palm of your hand.
  • Spread one cup of the pasta sauce in the bottom of an 11 X 7 inch casserole dish.
  • Arrange the filled shells in the casserole, and top with the remaining sauce.
  • Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the 375 degree oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and sprinkle the shells with some more cheese; I like to use fresh Parma, Mozzarella, or Provolone. Bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.
  • Garnish with the basil and serve with a nice salad and a glass of wine.