Thursday, April 22, 2010

Stuffed Giant Shells

I've been using this recipe for awhile now and have been tweaking it over time to get it just right. The original recipe is from my friend Paula who I met at BYU-H and it is so delicious!

Stuffed Giant Shells -my way.

Boil 1 box giant shells

approx. 1lb grnd beef, 1lb Italian sausage, 1lb shredded zucchini (throw the zucchini in once the meat is nearly completely browned)
1. lrg. onion chopped

Saute' together until completely cooked; hit it with salt, pepper, onion powder, and a little garlic powder and italian seasoning to taste and 1/4 cup fresh parsley or a couple tablespoons of dried.

Set the meat in a large bowl and let cool.

Once cooled: add 1 egg, 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Mix by hand until it's all blended well and resembles a meatloaf.

In a large deep pan, cover the bottom with spaghetti sauce, save enough for another pan if you need it and to cover the shells. Sprinkle on some parmesan and mozzarella and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Stuff the shells and lay them face up or down. Cover with more spaghetti sauce. (I like the Fred Meyer brand)

I've made this many times but can never remember if the last time I laid them open side down or not...Note to self: I laid them open side down and the noodle was a little dry. Try open side up next time!