italian sausage shells

Odessa, TX
Updated on Jan 11, 2012

I was trying to make dinner one afternoon, without having to make a trip to the store, so I just used items I had on hand and this is what I came up with. The family really liked it and would ask for it quite often. Since it didn't really have a name, they just called it the "meat and shells stuff". I served it with steamed veggies and garlic bread. Turned out to be a hit with my bunch.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top
yield Makes 12 shells

Ingredients

  • 1 pound italian sausage, mild or spicey
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (28 oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamioc vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh, chopped, flat leaf parsley or chopped green onions
  • - shaved parmesan cheese or shredded mozarella
  • 12 large pasta shells

How To Make italian sausage shells

  • Step 1
    Ahead of time: Place diced tomatoes into a large bowl and fold in the minced garlic, diced onion, chopped basil, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add additional salt if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and allow marinating at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
  • Step 2
    Time to cook: Remove casing from sausage, crumble into a hot, non-stick skillet and cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease and add tomato mixture. Cook until heated well. Cover and remove from heat.
  • Step 3
    Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instruction. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water. Gently pat dry the shells (especially the inside).
  • Step 4
    Re-heat the meat and tomato mixture, if necessary, because you want to serve this hot. Fill each shell with meat mixture and top with shaved parmesan cheese or mozarella and fresh parsley or green onions.
  • Step 5
    Serve with a great salad or steamed veggies and hot garlic bread....delicious!

Discover More

Category: Beef
Category: Pasta
Category: Pork
Culture: Italian
Ingredient: Pork
Method: Stove Top

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