Cheese Stuffed Shells With Beef And Tomato Sauce Recipes

Steps:

• Cook pasta shells according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and spaghetti sauce; pour over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer.

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the spinach, cream cheese and egg. Add 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and cinnamon if desired. , Stuff pasta shells with sausage mixture. Arrange in two shallow 2-qt. or 11x7-in. baking dishes coated with cooking spray. Combine the sauce ingredients; spoon over shells. , Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving., Freeze option: Cool unbaked casseroles; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover casserole with foil; bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Steps:

• In shallow Dutch oven, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; cook beef, breaking up with spoon, for 5 minutes or until no longer pink. With slotted spoon, transfer to bowl. Drain any fat from pan.
• Add remaining oil to pan; sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes. Add basil, oregano, hot pepper flakes, salt, pepper, tomatoes and tomato sauce. Return beef to pan; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened.
• Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well and place on damp tea towel.
• Filling: Meanwhile, in bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, parsley, onions, eggs, basil, nutmeg, and pepper.
• Pour half of the beef and tomato sauce into 13- x 9-inch (3 L) glass baking dish. Spoon heaping 1 tbsp (15 mL) filling into each pasta shell. Arrange snugly, stuffed side up, in dish. Spoon remaining sauce over top; sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheeses. Cover with foil.
• Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.