Itialian Stuffed Shells

Last updated: Saturday December 08, 2012


Prepare and set aside one recipe of Marinara Sauce.

I. Marinara Sauce

1        -        Lb              Ground Beef

1                 Large         Onion - finely chopped

3                 Cloves        Garlic

1                                  Green Pepper - finely chopped

1                                  Carrot - shredded

Add and heat:

2        -        28-oz Cans Tomatoes

2        -        28-oz Cans Tomato Paste

                                    Salt - to taste

                                    Pepper - to taste

2        -        Tbs            Oregano

2        -        Tbs            Sweet Basil

-        1/2     Tsp           Fennel Seed (finely ground)

-        1/8     Tsp           Marjoram

1        -        Tbs            Parsley

1        -        Tsp            Sugar

1        -        Cup            Red Wine

1        -        Can            Mushrooms

A)  Brown  beef. Drain excess fat.

B)  Add  chopped  onions, garlic, carrot,  and  green pepper. Sauté.

C)  Add salt,  pepper, tomatoes, and  spices.

D) Cook over medium heat until done. Add mushrooms before serving.

II. Pasta Shells

Prepare according to package directions:

1        -        Pound        Pasta Shells

Do not overcook.

B) Rinse with cold water and drain.

C) Set aside

III. Ricotta Filling

Mix the following in a mixing bowl

1        -        Pound        Ricotta Cheese

2        -                         Eggs

2        -        Tbs            Parmesan Cheese (Grated)

2        -        Tbs            Parsley

1        -        Cup            Mozzarella Cheese (Grated)

IV. Assembly

A)  Cover the bottom of a 9 X 12  Glass Caserole dish with  Marinara sauce.

B)  Stuff shells with Ricotta Cheese mixture and lay in baking dish.

C) Once Shells fill dish, ladle more Marinara sauce over shells. Sprinkle liberally with additional Mozzarella cheese.

Variation: Line each shell with a leaf of fresh spinach, and then fill with Ricotta mixture


Temperature:  375°                                                                                          
Time:             30 Minutes
Yield:             8-10 Servings
Theo and Nancy Black