Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFirst and Last Tavern HartfordShells With Meatball & Sausage Recipe

Shells With Meatball & Sausage Recipe

Time1h 10m
Serves4

Make Shells With Meatball & Sausage Recipe in just 1h 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pasta Shells

Method

Pasta Shells Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meatball and Sausage Filling Preparation

  1. 2

    Make the Filling

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

  2. 3

    Form Meatballs

    Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield about 12 meatballs.

Tomato Sauce Preparation

  1. 4

    Prepare the Sauce

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine and Bake

  1. 6

    Combine Meatballs and Sauce

    Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce, making sure they are well covered. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

  2. 7

    Assemble the Dish

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a meatball, then place them in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.

  3. 8

    Top with Cheese

    Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed shells and garnish with chopped parsley.

  4. 9

    Bake

    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

More from First and Last Tavern Hartford