Mom’s Baked Shells

This was a West Park Drive staple, a real crowd pleaser that was our a childhood favorite.

Mom’s Baked Shells

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce tomato sauce
  • 1 pound small pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ricotta
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pound mozzarella, chopped or grated
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  • Brown the meat with oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Skim fat if necessary. Add sauce and simmer 30 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • In the meantime, boil pasta only until very al dente. Drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta and egg.
  • In a baking dish, put some sauce to coat, then a layer of pasta, then dollop with ricotta spoonfuls. Then about 2/3 of mozzarella and Parmesan. Then add the rest of the meat sauce and mix until well combined. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.
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