Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce

Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Savory Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large pasta shells
  • 2 cups meat sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup pesto sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in meat sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of pesto sauce and place them in the baking dish.
  8. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells.
  9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
  12. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
  13. Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

FAQs:

  1. What ingredients are needed to make Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce?
    • You will need jumbo pasta shells, pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought), ground beef or Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled), marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese (shredded), Parmesan cheese (grated), garlic (minced), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. How do I cook the pasta shells for this dish?
    • Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until they are al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry with paper towels before stuffing.
  3. Can I use a different type of meat or make this dish vegetarian?
    • Yes, you can substitute the ground beef or Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
  4. How do I assemble and bake Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce?
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked and crumbled meat with marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff each cooked shell with a spoonful of pesto, followed by the meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Can I prepare Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled shells (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Enjoy preparing and enjoying this delicious Baked Shells dish!

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