STUFFED SHELLS WITH TACO MEAT RECIPES

Steps:

• Check jumbo shells; discard any that are broken, making sure you have at least 18-22 whole shells. Cook jumbo shells per package instructions, reducing cook time by 1 minute. Drain, cover, then set nearby. Note: plan to cook a few more shells than you need, as jumbo shells have a tendency to break or tear while cooking.
• Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Pour half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the dish, using a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. Set dish nearby.
• In a large bowl, whisk together egg and ricotta. Add mozzarella to bowl, then fold it into the ricotta mixture. Set bowl nearby.
• To fill the shells: Cup a jumbo shell in your weaker hand, facing the shell so that the tighter curl of the shell is close to your thumb and the looser part rests on your palm or other fingers. Use your thumb to pry open the shell, then scoop in the ricotta cheese mix. When shell is filled, place it on top of the marinara sauce, seam side up. Repeat this step until all shells are filled.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top of the shells, focusing on filling the gaps between the shells.
• Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Allow dish to cool for 5 minutes (or until the sauce stops bubbling) then serve.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble pork and beef over mixture; mix well. Cut mozzarella into eighteen 1/2-in. cubes. Divide meat mixture into 18 portions; shape each around a cheese cube. , In a large skillet, cook meatballs in oil over medium heat, in batches, until a thermometer inserted in the meat reads 160°; drain. In a large saucepan, heat marinara sauce; add meatballs and heat through. Serve over pasta.
  Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary. Serve with pasta.