Baked Shells With Pesto , Mozzarella and Meat Sauce

Baked Shells With Pesto, Mozzzarella and Meat Sauce

Prep Time: 15 - 20 minutes Minutes

Bake Time: 15 Minutes

Total Time : 35 Minutes

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef

2 cups chopped canned tomatoes, drained ( from a 28 ounce can)

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup store bought or homemade pesto

3/4 pound medium pasta shells

1 1/2 cup mozzaralla cheese , grated

1/4 cup parmasen

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray with cooking spray a large baking dish ( aprox 13 x 9 )

In a large pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat , add the onion and cook stirring occasionally until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up until the meat is no longer pink . Drain off any excess fat.

Add the tomatoes and the salt to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates , about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the pesto.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water cook the shells until just done or about 10 minutes. Drain the shells and toss with the sauce . Put half the pasta into the prepared dish and top with half the mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake until bubbling about 15 minutes.

It has been a very frustrating day and tomorrow does not look to be any better here at the office with shortages in my coverage ( forget getting the inch of root retouched or a haircut anytime soon Pol ) crying babies, secretaries who respond to an e mail informing them of a clients arrival an hour after I send it to her and the fact that same said client is already with the attorney ( this is you giggles by the way )..rodeo time...a run to petsmart after I leave here...no lunch, swollen feet ( thanks Mom for that genetic legacy) ..so what do I do ...post a recipe.

Aunty Pol needs a beverage and Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Have a great week.

Ciao,

Aunty Pol