Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Try this Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/8 easpoonpepper
- 1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/8 easpoonsugar
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules (i used better than bouillo
- 2 cups (16 oz) small curd cottage cheese
- 24 jumbo shell noodles cooked, drained and lightly oiled with olive oil so they don’t stick together
- Carbohydrate 2.81041778807025 g
- Cholesterol 67.742851453504 mg
- Fat 10.0812075896773 g
- Fiber 0.466916934659737 g
- Protein 12.8906148870704 g
- Saturated Fat 4.08255013444485 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (147g)
- Sodium 97.4562403781954 mg
- Sugar 2.34350085341051 g
- Trans Fat 1.38945839285064 g
- Calories 156 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13 or 3-qt. baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Break up and crumble the beef until the meat is cooked and no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in hot water, tomato paste, bouillon, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff the shells with the cheese mixture.
- Arrange shells in the baking dish.
- Pour meat sauce over shells.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer.
Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning meetings, school drop-offs, and the endless to-do list, finding time for a home-cooked meal that's both delicious and easy feels like a luxury. But let me tell you, friends, this Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe is a game-changer. It's the perfect solution for those nights when you crave comfort food without the hours of prep time. Forget complicated recipes and endless chopping – this dish is all about simple ingredients and maximum flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. I often find myself making a double batch, portioning it out for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, meaning less stress and more time for the things that truly matter. Plus, let’s be honest, the cheesy, saucy goodness is irresistible! It's the kind of dish that makes everyone happy, from picky eaters to discerning palates. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and even I, a busy professional, can whip it up on a Tuesday night without breaking a sweat.
I love how versatile this recipe is, too. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients, or even swap the ground beef for Italian sausage. The possibilities are endless! The key is to have fun with it. Don't stress over perfection; just enjoy the process of creating something delicious and nourishing for your family. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore, and this recipe truly embodies that spirit.
This recipe has become a staple in my family's weeknight rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that consistently delivers on flavor and convenience. It's proof that delicious, satisfying meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. So, next time you're short on time but craving a hearty, comforting meal, give this Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing the Imperfect Kitchen
As a busy mom, my kitchen isn't always picture-perfect. There are days when the counters are overflowing with dishes, the floor is littered with stray toys, and the aroma of slightly burnt garlic hangs in the air. But that's okay. The beauty of home-cooked meals lies not in the pristine setting, but in the love and intention poured into every dish. This recipe, with its easy steps and forgiving nature, perfectly reflects that philosophy.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is its ability to adapt to the chaos of everyday life. If I’m running late, I can quickly prep the meat sauce the night before, saving precious time in the morning. And if my kids are hungry before the shells are ready, a side of salad or some crusty bread is more than enough to tide them over. The focus is on family and togetherness, not on following a recipe to the letter.
Cooking shouldn’t be a competition or a source of stress. It should be a joyful expression of care and nourishment. This Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe is a testament to that, a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of a busy life, we can still create moments of deliciousness and connection around the dinner table.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Prep Ahead: Make the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta would be delicious.
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
- Make it a Meal Prep Staple: Double the recipe and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
So go ahead, embrace the imperfection, and create some delicious memories in the kitchen. This Lazy Girls Cheesy Stuffed Shells recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal with loved ones.
