18 Easy Italian Shells Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!

Published on: Mar 16, 2024

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Look no further than this easy Italian shells recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouth-watering meal that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Impress your guests with your culinary skills and give them a taste of Italy with this delectable dish.

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Ingredients:

1 lb medium pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta shells.

Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to add salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings.

Next, add in the can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Assemble the shells.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with a spoonful of the meat sauce. Place the filled shells in the baking dish, side by side.

5. Top with cheese and bake.

Once all the shells are filled, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the shells hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this easy Italian dish. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for some extra color and flavor. Buon appetito!