READY IN 1¼ hrs

Stuffed Pasta Shells Surprise

Read Reviews (2)

"This is two very different stuffed shell recipes made from one basic recipe. I use leftover meat from the week to make this recipe. They can be a meal or an appetizer. It adds variety to a meal and can also be made meatless by adding water chestnuts or other vegetables. Serve with Caesar salad and a loaf of hot crusty garlic bread or sticks for dunking." — Suz

Directions

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray 2 9x13-inch baking dishes with cooking spray. Combine the 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, spinach, and pesto together in a bowl.
Stir half of the cheese-spinach mixture into the cooked beef. Season with garlic powder. Spread about 1 cup spaghetti sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff 12 pasta shells with the beef and cheese mixture, then arrange in the baking dish. Top with the remaining spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Mix the remaining spinach-cheese mixture with ham and crab. Stuff the last 12 pasta shells with the ham mixture, and arrange in another 9x13-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray. Pour the alfredo sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake both casseroles in the preheated oven until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 30 mins
COOK 45 mins
READY IN 1 hr 15 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Jun 11, 2012

Loved it and I only did the beef mixture! I needed to use up left over bratwurst, so I substituted that for the ground beef and it was great and easy too. I had no pesto but was still great. Will make the second casserole next time, thanks!

—hawksmom

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Aug 21, 2011

I loved this recipe! I made both at the same time and froze one so I didn't have to cook on another night. Big plus for a busy mom of twins!

—Taran

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5 Ratings

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Nutrition

Calories
631 kcal
32%

Carbohydrates
41.2 g
13%

Cholesterol
105 mg
35%

Fat
35.8 g
55%

Fiber
4.2 g
17%

Protein
36.3 g
73%

Sodium
1563 mg
63%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Stuffed Pasta Shells Surprise

Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 631
Calories from Fat: 323

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35.8g 55 %
** Saturated Fat 16.1g 80 %
Cholesterol 105mg 35 %
Sodium 1563mg 63 %
** Potassium 718mg 20 %
Total Carbohydrates 41.2g 13 %
Dietary Fiber 4.2g 17 %
Protein 36.3g 73 %
** Sugars 10.8g
Vitamin A 100 %
Vitamin C 16 %
Calcium 76 %
Iron 32 %
** Thiamin 21 %
** Niacin 106 %
** Vitamin B6 26 %
** Magnesium 33 %
** Folate 84 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.