Diabetic Friendly Beefy Stuffed Shells – now We’re Talking!

Aren’t these stuffed pasta shells pretty? These delicious shells are bursting with beefy goodness rather than swimming in a pool of pasta sauce. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good cheesy stuffed shell the same as the next guy. I also love to change things up a bit and that’s just what these shells do.

Another plus is that this is a diabetic friendly supper (good for me) that my guys enjoy, too. Double good for me.

I love these shells served along side warm sourdough dinner rolls, with a leafy spinach salad and a nice red wine. Oh yeah, now we’re talking!

Beefy Stuffed Shells
12 dried jumbo shell macaroni
12 ounces 95 percent lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms (4 ounces)
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
1/2 cup shredded carrot (1 medium)
1/4 cup chopped celery
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
14 oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Italian blend cheese (2 ounces)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook ground beef until brown, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. Set meat aside.

In a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add diced tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.

Remove from heat; cool slightly.

Spoon the tomato mixture into a blender or food processor; cover and blend or process until nearly smooth. Set aside 3/4 cup of the pureed tomato mixture. Return the remaining pureed tomato mixture to the skillet. Stir cooked meat into tomato mixture in skillet. Spoon a rounded tablespoon of the meat mixture into each pasta shell.

Arrange filled pasta shells in prepared baking dish. Spoon the reserved 3/4 cup pureed tomato mixture over the shells.

Cover with foil; bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and fresh tomato. Bake about 5 minutes more or until heated through and cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with basil.

Original recipe: Eating Well