sausage stuffed shells
For years, I tried to find a recipe for stuffed shells and/or manicotti that included meat in the filling. So, after lots of experimenting, I came up with my own. My husband and kids beg me to make this - they say it is the best pasta dish ever! Optional ingredients that may be added to the skillet include spinach, onions, and mushrooms, depending on preference.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
This is a terrific variation of a stuffed shells recipe. It's a simple, yet delicious dish. The Italian sausage is the main flavor. Silky cream cheese is the perfect offset for the slightly spicy sausage. There's plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to hold the filling together. This comes together fairly quickly. The longest part is stuffing the shells. With a side salad on the side, this is a real winner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound hot, mild, or italian sausage
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 oz)
How To Make sausage stuffed shells
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. -
Step 2Brown sausage in a large skillet on medium heat. Drain fat and return the skillet to the stove. Ground beef may also be used. I prefer hot or Italian sausage.
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Step 3Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and cream cheese to the skillet.
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Step 4Continue cooking on medium heat until the cream cheese is completely melted, about 15-20 minutes.
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Step 5Pour the contents of the skillet into a large mixing bowl. Add beaten egg, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly. The mixture may seem a little watery, but don't worry, it will thicken during baking.
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Step 6Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the pan and spread it around.
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Step 7Spoon the meat mixture into each shell and place in the pan. This recipe should make 16-18 shells.
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Step 8Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
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Step 9Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
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Step 10Remove from oven. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of shells. Return to oven for last 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
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