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sausage stuffed shells

(33 ratings)
Marin8 avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Valerie Reeves
@Marin8
Murfreesboro, TN

For years, I tried to find a recipe for stuffed shells and/or manicotti that included meat in the filling. So, after lots of experimenting, I came up with my own! My husband and kids beg me to make this - they say it is the best pasta dish ever!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This a a terrific variation of a stuffed shells recipe. The silky cream cheese is the perfect off-set for the slightly spicy sausage. A real winner!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(33 ratings)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 35 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For sausage stuffed shells

  • 8 oz
    jumbo pasta shells
  • 24 oz jar
    spaghetti sauce
  • 1 lb
    hot, mild, or italian sausage
  • 14.5 oz can
    petite diced tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp
    italian seasoning
  • 4 oz
    cream cheese
  • 2 1/2 c
    mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 c
    parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1
    egg, beaten

How To Make sausage stuffed shells

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool on paper towel.
  • 2
    Brown sausage in large skillet on medium heat. Drain fat and return skillet to stove. Ground beef may also be used. I prefer hot or Italian sausage.
  • 3
    Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and cream cheese to skillet, continue cooking on medium heat until cream cheese is completely melted. (About 15-20 minutes).
  • 4
    Pour contents of skillet into large mixing bowl. Add beaten egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly. Mixture may seem a little watery, but don't worry, it will thicken during baking.
  • 5
    Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce into bottom of pan and spread around.
  • 6
    Spoon meat mixture into each shell and place in pan. This recipe should make 16-18 shells. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
  • 7
    Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top of shells, and return to oven for last 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • 8
    **Note - Optional ingredients that may be added to skillet include spinach, onions, mushrooms, depending on preference.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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