Baked Shells, Pesto, And Meat Sauce

Marrying into an Italian family, my husband will always request a baked pasta of some sort. This recipe is always a winner whether it's a night you have some company over or just a family night in with the kids. 

If your boyfriend/husband is anything like mine he wants double the meat in whatever the meal is. In this case I used a ground mild Italian sausage and ground beef. The sausage is a must for that Italian taste that you crave in a dish like this one. Effortless flavor! 

Now you can make your own tomato sauce if ya like but i happen to be pretty fond of Prego myself lol! I buy the BIG jar and it's perfect for this meal. Same with the pesto. All store bought. Quick, easy and just as yummy. You also can use any favorite cheese of your choice. I used mozzarella and Parmesan. I know usually it's easier and quicker to buy the packaged shredded cheese and go on....but I highly recommend buying a mozzarella and Parmesan block and grate your own cheese. It really puts this dish on a whole other level!!!! Something about freshly grated cheese people!!! It's a weakness of mine. Hope you guys enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 small sweet onion

6-7 large basil leaves or 1 Tbs dried basil

1 lb ground beef

1 lb mild Italian sausage 

1 BIG jar of Prego (flavored with meat) 

1/4 cup store bought Pesto 

1 lb dry pasta shells 

1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

-preheat oven to 400 degrees 

-Start by adding oil to your pan and chopping your onion. Toss in a pre heated skillet. Sautée just until tender. Brown your beef/sausage with onion until no longer pink...and drain. 

-Return to stove and add the full jar of Prego. Turn heat to med low. Chop Basil leaves or add dried basil to skillet and stir. 

-Boil your pasta shells in a pot with boiling water and a pinch of salt for 9 minutes (al-dente) ...drain. Add back to the pot pasta was cooked in. 

-Your meat sauce should now by warm so now add your 1/4 cup Pesto and stir well. Pour into the pot of cooked shells. Gently toss. 

-Pour half of the pasta mix in a 13X9 casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the  fresh mozzarella and Parmesan. 

-Pour remaining pasta mix in dish and top it off with more mozzarella and Parmesan

-Pop in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly with a slight browning! 

I served a cucumber and tomato salad on the side with some Italian dressing. You could roast some broccili or add whatever vegetable you might like to get your greens in. Happy to share ! 

If any one has any suggestions or comments feel free to leave them. Much love to all of you ....