Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFirst and Last Tavern HartfordShells With Meatballs Recipe

Shells With Meatballs Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Make Shells With Meatballs Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pasta Shells

Method

Prepare Pasta Shells

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt. Once boiling, add the 12 large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make Meatballs

  1. 2

    Combine Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbs of chopped parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 egg, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper. Mix well until ingredients are fully incorporated.

  2. 3

    Form Meatballs

    Using your hands, shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.

Cook Meatballs

  1. 4

    Brown the Meatballs

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Make Sauce

  1. 5

    Prepare the Sauce

    In the same skillet, add 2 tbs of olive oil. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Add 28 oz of canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet, along with 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper. Stir to combine.

  3. 7

    Simmer with Meatballs

    Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble and Serve

  1. 8

    Stuff the Shells

    Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with a meatball. Place the stuffed shells in a serving dish.

  2. 9

    Top with Sauce

    Spoon the sauce over the stuffed shells and garnish with 1 tbs of chopped fresh basil.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Serve warm and enjoy your delicious shells with meatballs!

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