Step 7: Layer the Meat Sauce
Pour about three-quarters of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Stuff each shell with 1 rounded tablespoon of the cheese mixture and arrange them on top of the meat sauce, open-side up. Spoon the remaining meat sauce between the shells but not directly on top of them.
Step 9: Bake the Dish
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the shells. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
Tip 1: Sauce Consistency
Adjust the simmering time of the marinara sauce based on desired thickness; longer simmering yields a thicker sauce.
Tip 2: Cheese Variations
Feel free to mix different cheeses into the cheese filling for added flavor, such as ricotta or provolone.
Tip 3: Fresh Herbs
Incorporate fresh herbs such as oregano or parsley into the cheese mixture for an enhanced flavor profile.
Tip 4: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat before serving.
Tip 5: Freezing Instructions
This dish can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before, cover tightly, and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Cook techniques
Prepping the Ingredients
Ensure all your ingredients are ready before you start cooking. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the mozzarella cheese to save time during the cooking process.
Cooking the Pasta
Boil the pasta shells until al dente, which means they should be cooked but still firm to the bite. This prevents them from becoming mushy when baked.
Browning the Meat
Cook the ground chuck until it’s no longer pink to ensure that it’s safely cooked. Drain the fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
Sautéing Vegetables
Cook the diced onion until translucent and fragrant. Adding garlic just before the marinara sauce enhances its flavor without burning the garlic.
Simmering the Sauce
Allow the marinara sauce to simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce and deepen its flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Mixing Cheese Filling
Combine the cottage cheese, beaten egg, and shredded mozzarella and Parmesan in a bowl. This mixture will provide a creamy interior for the stuffed shells.
Layering the Dish
Spread meat sauce in the baking dish before adding shells. This prevents them from sticking and adds flavor from the bottom.
Stuffing the Shells
Fill each pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture. A rounded tablespoon ensures a good amount of filling without overflowing.
Baking Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, helping the shells cook evenly without drying out.
Finishing Touch
Remove the foil near the end of cooking to allow the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a delicious golden crust.
