Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the richness of Italian cuisine with the comfort of stuffed shells? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through a mouthwatering stuffed shells sausage recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that consists of pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, cheese, and herbs. In this recipe, we will be using sausage as the main ingredient, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor and depth. Whether you prefer mild Italian sausage or a spicier variety, this stuffed shells sausage recipe will cater to all tastes and preferences.
Here’s what you will need for this delicious stuffed shells sausage recipe:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to your preference)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese together. Add the cooked sausage mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese and sausage mixture, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.
7. Arrange the stuffed shells in the greased baking dish, making sure they are snug and close together. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and enjoy this delicious stuffed shells sausage recipe with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
With this stuffed shells sausage recipe, you can create a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to impress your family, this dish is sure to be a hit. Buon appetito!
