4ounceschive and onion cream cheese, softened (can also use plain cream cheese)
20 to 25pepperoni slices, cut into quartersdivided
3cupspizza sauce or marinara saucedivided
20jumbo pasta shells
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
chopped parsley, for garnish(optional)
Instructions
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook and crumble ground beef, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, until meat is browned. Drain any grease.
Stir in cream cheese, 1 cup of the pizza sauce, and half of the pepperonis. Stir and cook until mixture is thoroughly heated and cream cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, boil the pasta shells in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain.
Stuff each cooked shell with 2 tablespoons beef mixture and place in single layer in the prepared baking dish. Cover shells with remaining 2 cups pizza sauce. Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining half of the pepperoni.
Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
*This recipe can be easily doubled. Use a 9x13-inch pan when doubling. Cook time stays the same.