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Ground Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Elina James
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta:
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells (plus a few extra in case of breakage)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Sauce and Topping:
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo shells and cook until just al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick together.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Filling : In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen spinach). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked beef and spinach mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
  • Step 3: Stuff the Shells : Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer in the dish.
  • Step 4: Assemble and Bake : Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Step 5: Rest and Serve : Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy warm!