New Baby Meals

Chances are if you are reading this blog you may be in the stage of life where many of your friends are having babies. When we had sweet pea #2 earlier this year, someone brought us this recipe as a meal. It was incredible, healthy and original. Note that this recipe makes enough for 4 meals, so you can make a big batch, freeze and then take them to friends as they need meals. I would half this recipe if you were making it just for your family:

Minestrone-Stuffed Shells

48 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
2 lb. lean ground beef
2 cups chopped any color bell peppers (3-4 medium)
1 cup chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup refrigerated basil pesto
8 oz part skim shredded mozzarella
2 (15 oz) cans kidney or Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed
2 (26 oz) jars thick and hearty tomato pasta sauce
4 oz shredded fresh parmesan

Cook pasta shells per package. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.

1. Meanwhile, in a 5 to 6 quart Dutch oven, break up ground beef. Add bell peppers and onions; sprinkle with salt. Cook over medium high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Stir in pesto, mozzarella cheese and beans.
2. Fill each cooked pasta shell with scant ¼ cup beef mixture. Place 12 filled shells in each of 4 large (9 ½ cup) rectangular freezer/microwave-safe containers. Spoon ½ jar (about 1 ½ cups) of the pasta sauce over each to cover. Sprinkle each with ¼ cup parmesan. Cover; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
3. Thaw 1 container of stuffed shells in refrigerator or 24 hours or uncover and thaw in microwave on Defrost for 15-20 minutes.
4. To reheat refrigerated or thawed stuffed shells, cover loosely and microwave on High for 6 to 8 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
5. 16 servings (4 meals).