Stuffed Pasta Shells

Pasta Ingredients:

12

to 16 uncooked dried jumbo pasta shells

Filling Ingredients:

1		tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/3		cup chopped onion
1/2		teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
1/2		pound ground mild Italian sausage
1/2		pound ground beef
1/8		teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/8		teaspoon dried oregano leaves
8		ounces (2 cups) LAND O LAKES® Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 1/2		cups spaghetti sauce with mushrooms

Cook shells according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until tender (3 to 4 minutes). Add beef and sausage. Continue cooking until meat is browned (8 to 12 minutes); drain. Add basil, oregano and 1 cup cheese.

Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce on bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. Stuff cooked shells with meat mixture; place, meat-side down, in prepared pan. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over shells; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Cover with waxed paper; microwave on MEDIUM HIGH (80% power) 5 minutes. Turn dish. Microwave on MEDIUM HIGH until heated through and cheese is melted (5 to 6 minutes). Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Oven Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare as directed above. Reserve remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover pasta with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Remove aluminum foil; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Continue baking, uncovered, until cheese is melted (4 to 6 minutes).

TIP: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F if using 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Baking time may need to be increased.

MAKE AHEAD DIRECTIONS:

Pasta shells can be filled and frozen separately. Prepare pasta shells as directed above. Place filled shells onto ungreased baking sheet; cover and freeze. When frozen, place shells into resealable plastic freezer bag; seal bag. Place bag in freezer. To bake shells, heat oven to 350°F. Continue assembling casserole with frozen shells, sauce and cheese as directed in oven directions. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until heated through.

MAKE AHEAD DIRECTIONS:

Prepare recipe as directed above. Place filled shells into ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan. Cover; freeze. To bake, heat oven to 350°F. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until casserole is heated through.