Stuffed Baked Shells

1: Preheat oven to 375°F.

2: Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.

3: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes).

4: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat, then stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

6: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and egg. Stir in the cooled beef mixture.

7: Spoon the filling into each shell until full.

8: Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer. Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over the top.

9: Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.

10: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11: Sprinkle with parsley when finished and enjoy!