Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. large pasta shells
- 1 lb. ground meat (such as beef or chicken)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh cheese (such as parmesan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. dried oregano or basil
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta shells until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat, then add the bell peppers, onions, and olives. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cooked meat mixture with the tomato sauce, fresh cheese, and oregano or basil.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat mixture. Place in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling and heated through.
- Serve hot with desired side dish or salad.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on meat type and quantity)
Fat: 20-30g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Protein: 20-30g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- An American-style dish, perfect for a family meal or dinner party.
- The combination of flavors in the filling is rich and savory, with a hint of Italian influence.
- The dish is hearty and filling, making it a great choice for a main course.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The flavors were well-balanced and the pasta shells were perfectly cooked."
- "I loved the combination of meat and vegetables in the filling. It was a great dish for a family dinner."
- "The dish was easy to make and came out perfectly. I will definitely make it again."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells until tender but not overcooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Adjust the seasoning of the filling according to your taste preference.
- If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, consider adding diced tomatoes or mushroom for additional flavor and texture.
