Stuffed shells with meat

• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the ground beef (and pork if using) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
• Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. This will be your filling mixture.

4. Stuff the shells:

• Once the shells are cool enough to handle, stuff each shell with a generous amount of the meat and cheese mixture.
• Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

5. Assemble and bake:

• Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly covered.
• Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
• Serve with extra sauce or a side of garlic bread and a salad.

Enjoy your homemade stuffed shells with meat!