In my house we have a big family so its always easier to make trays of food so we're sure to have enough for everybody and plenty of leftovers. This is my original recipe for making stuffed shells that I've developed over the years for my family. Definitely be sure to adjust it according to what your family enjoys. Extra cheese, no meat, vegan. However you'll enjoy it the most. My kiddos like it cheesy with plenty of sauce. Adding extra sauce when making it is also beneficial because when leftovers are reheated, that extra sauce prevents it from being dry and bland.
My only suggestion that you don't change would be the cook time. I allow it to cook for a bit because of the egg that was added to the ricotta cheese. Adding the egg binds the filling together so its not all drippy and also adds some fluff to it so its definitely an important ingredient and has to be cooked a safe amount of time to avoid eating it raw.
Other than that I hope you all enjoy the recipe and definitely feel free to leave feedback on how you liked it. I always love hearing what you guys think.
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
1 box of jumbo shells (any brand)
1/2 lb ground Beef
15 oz tub of ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 large bag of mozzarella cheese
3 Tbsp Italian seasoning
3 Tbsp garlic powder
1 67oz jar of Prego meat pasta sauce
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
1. Cook one box of jumbo shells. Be sure to salt the water and mix frequently so the shells don't stick to the bottom of the pan and rip
2. In a separate pan cook 1/2 lb of ground beef (salt & pepper to taste) and drain grease
3. In a bowl mix ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, italian seasoning and garlic powder
4. When shells are done cooking drain the hot water and rinse them with cold water until they are cooled enough to handle
5. In a large rectangular pan spread 5 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking
6. Add beef to the ricotta cheese blend
7. Fill each shell and place in pan in a horizontal, side by side row to be able to fit the most in the pan
8. Goop spaghetti sauce on each individual shell and make sure the whole top of the noodle is covered to prevent the noodle from drying out when baked
9. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over sauced up shells
10. Bake on 350 degrees for 25 minutes
11. Remove from oven, cool and ENJOY!
