Stuffed Pasta Shells

A flavorful meat-based, Italian-inspired stuffed shell entrée.


Estimated Time Needed:
Est. Preperation: 25 mins
Est. Cooking: 14 mins
Est. Standing: 2 mins


Ingredients:

12 - to 16 uncooked dried jumbo pasta shells
1 - tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/3 - cup chopped onion
1/2 - teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
1/2 - pound ground mild Italian sausage
1/2 - pound ground turkey
1/8 - teaspoon crushed dried basil
1/8 - teaspoon crushed dried oregano
8 - ounces LAND O LAKES® Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 - cups spaghetti sauce with mushrooms
Directions:
Cook shells according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in 10-inch skillet; add onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until tender (3 to 4 minutes). Add turkey and sausage. Continue cooking until meat is browned (8 to 12 minutes); drain. Add basil, oregano and 1 cup cheese.

Spread ¾ cup spaghetti sauce on bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Stuff cooked shells with meat mixture; place, meat-side down, in prepared dish. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over shells; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Cover with waxed paper; microwave on MEDIUM HIGH (80% power) 5 minutes. Turn dish. Microwave on MEDIUM HIGH until heated through and cheese is melted (5 to 6 minutes). Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Oven Method: Heat oven to 350°. Prepare as directed above. Reserve remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover pasta with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Remove aluminum foil; sprinkle remaining cheese over pasta and sauce. Continue baking, uncovered, until cheese is melted (4 to 6 minutes).

Yields: 6