Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday's Meal

You know my family's love of all things Italian. Well, I love anything that combines Italian to form a hearty casserole. This dish is quick and easy, plus it's freezer friendly.

Cheese Stuffed Shells

1 lb of Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
1 pkg. of frozen chopped spinach, well drained
1 8 oz. pkg of cream cheese, softened
1 egg, beaten
2 cups of shredded mozzarella
2 cups of shredded mild cheddar
1 cup of ricotta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to the taste
1/8 tsp of ground nutmeg, optional
20 jumbo shells, cooked and drained

Sauce

1 (29oz)tomato sauce
1 tbsp dried minced onion
2 tsp of Italian season blend
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of oregano
salt and pepper to the taste


Prepare a 13 X 9 inch casserole by greasing it, set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f. Brown sausage and onion in skillet. Drain and then transfer to large bowl. Stir in spinach, cream cheese and egg. Add one cup of the mozzarella cheddar, cheddar cheese. Add ricotta, Parmesan, salt, pepper and nutmeg (if desired); mix well. Stuff shells and arrange in your prepared casserole. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. Spoon over the shells. Cover the casserole and bake in oven for 40 minutes. Uncover; cover with the remaining mozzarella. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve with a salad and garlic bread. Enjoy!

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