Smothered Baked Shells with Three Cheeses

 

1 c. chopped onion

1 T. olive oil

1 pound ground beef

3 jars (15 ½ oz each) meatless spaghetti sauce

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 t. basil

½ t. red pepper flakes

pepper

1 pound pasta shells

1 container (15 ozs) ricotta cheese

1 egg

8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 c. parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven 350 degrees.  Lightly oil 13x9 pan.  Saute onion in oil until tender. Add beef, saute, breaking up large pieces with wooden spoon, until well browned.  Stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes and pepper.  Bring to boiling, lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, while cooking pasta.  Cook pasta shells according to package directions.  Drain.  Combine ricotta and egg in small bowl until well blended.  Layer one third of meat mixture in bottom of prepared pan.  Layer half the shells over the meat, then half the ricotta mixture, half the mozzarella and half the parmesan.  Ladle half the remaining meat mixture over top.  Then layer remaining shells, ricotta and mozzarella.  Spoon remaining meat mixture over top.  Sprinkle with remaining parmesan.  Bake 45 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.