Stuffed Shells

Hi All!  I am sorry I have been MIA for the past week.  We have been busy getting ready for and going camping for the 4th.  We had a great time playing cards, fishing, drinking cocktails and catching up with my parents.  


We ate a ton of traditional holiday weekend food--corn on the cob, brats, potato salad, beans and the list goes on.  So for dinner tonight, we are really going all American--Stuffed Shells. Ha, I know, not really American but mighty tasty!  This is a super easy recipe and looks much fancier than traditional lasagna or spaghetti.  Give it a shot, it really is a crowd pleaser!  


Musical Selection: America the Beautiful by Elvis Presley.  No explanation needed. 

Start by browning the ground turkey with a chopped medium onion.  

 Next work on the filling.  Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, an egg, fresh parsley, basil and oregano.  If you don't have fresh herbs you can use Italian Seasoning.  I do recommend at least using fresh parsley--it really adds a freshness that you can't get with dried.  

 Put the ingredients together in a large bowl.  Make sure it is pretty big, you will add the turkey later on. 

 Mix until combined. 

 Add the turkey.  It is best to mix in when it is hot out of the pan. 

Pour one jar of spaghetti sauce into a greased 9x13 pan.

 Cook a 1/2 of a box of jumbo pasta shells.  I always make too many, I counted and 1/2 of a box is plenty.  Make a little extra though, like lasagna, there are always a few that break. Also, I drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top of them so they don't stick.  

Stuffed the shells with the turkey mixture.  I like to use a teaspoon and pry the shell open with my other hand.  I always make them over flow but use as much of the mixture as you would like.  No one says they like the pasta--its all about the sauce and filling. 

35-45 minutes later these cheesy shells are ready!  If this picture doesn't show that you need to spray your pan...I don't know what will. 

So simple and so tasty.

We like them with crusty garlic bread.


Enjoy!  And HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!! 




Stuffed Shells


1 pound of lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon of garlic, minced 
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 container of ricotta
1 egg 
1 teaspoon fresh basil, minced 
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced 
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced 
(if you are not using fresh herbs use 2 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning) 
1/2 of a package of jumbo pasta shells 
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce 




Brown the turkey with the onion and garlic until fully cooked.


Mix the cheeses, egg, herbs ( or Italian Seasoning) together.  Add the cooked turkey.


Cook pasta shells according to the package.  Drain and drizzle with olive oil. 


Pour the jar of sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. 


Stuff the shells with the turkey and cheese mixture.  Place on top of the sauce in the 9x13 pan. 


Bake at 375 for 33-45 minutes. 


Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!!! 


Recipe by: Mrs. Schwartz