Thursday, December 16, 2010

Stuffed Shells

My Papa Bear has been asking me for a couple of weeks to make him stuffed shells. This is probably his favorite meal I cook. My mother used to make this for us when I was little...not very often and I never understood why...until I started making them myself!
It's time consuming but oh, so worth it!
I buy the large pasta shells, cook lean hamburger meat seasoned with dried cilantro, parsley and oregano and garlic powder. Once the meat is cooked I add two or three cans (one per pound of meat) of Italian Stewed Tomatoes. The shells are super hot so I usually rinse them under cool water and then begin stuffing.
Yes, I stuff each individual shell....
First comes the shredded cheese.
Then add in your meat mixture.....
Form one layer in a casserole dish that has been sprayed with Pam.


I add some juices and some meat on top of the shells....
then sprinkle them with Italian Cheese blend...or mozzarella, depends on what you have.

Since everything is already cooked, just heat on 350 until all the cheese is melted.
We usually top the warm shells with sour cream. They are so very good!!
I prepared two boxes of large shells today, this way I can send some home with my mom and we can eat on them tomorrow! Friday's are usually so busy for us and at least cooking is one less thing I will have do! So, I found my largest baking pan and filled it up!
These shells are stuffed with all mozzarella because I forgot to by a bag of cheddar. They are still delicious!
And I love how good the house smells with these goodies baking!

Today after walking in the park I stopped by H-E-B to buy the ingredients for my shells and saw these cute mugs. You can't tell from the picture but they are HUGE!! And they were only $2 each! Gotta love a snowman cowboy! I just made a nice big cup of eggnog flavored coffee in my Keurig and topped it off with eggnog creamer...delicious!
All I want to do now is lay on the couch and watch some DVR'd shows! Or maybe just read a book in bed...that sounds really good too!! I can't believe Friday is almost here and there are only two weeks left in this year!! It's just crazy how fast time has been flying by!


5 comments:

Anonymous

I have never made stuffed shells, but those look deliecious! I'll have to try this dish!

MrsJenB

I have to tell you, this is unlike any stuffed shell recipe I've ever seen! Looks delicious! Usually I make the traditional ricotta mixture, and I lay out the shells and pipe the filling right into them - so no burned hands and it's much quicker! But I just may have to add meat from now on and round the meal out. Thanks so much for sharing @ Foodie Friday!

Donnie

That looks delicious April. I can see why your hubby wanted you to make them.

Unknown

Oh, lawdy! April ... I'm in a HEAP o'trouble ... gotta make those shells. They look deelish!

Have a beautiful winter's eve ~
Merry Christmas ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Unknown

Haha..drooling here. The procedure looks so simple so I want to try this one. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you also for the comment to my Outdoor Wednesday.

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