Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce

Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound (450g) large pasta shells
  • Salt for pasta water
• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Pesto:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Assembly:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Pesto:
   • In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
   • Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
   • With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Fill each pasta shell with a spoonful of pesto and place them in the baking dish.
   • Pour the remaining meat sauce over the filled shells.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Shells with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Meat Sauce!