Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Make the Stuffing Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley.
Add the cooked meat mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated.
Stuff the Shells:
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese and meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a salad.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8