Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
This Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells recipe is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with savory beef, fresh spinach, and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking the beef and veggies
- Baking dish for assembling and baking the stuffed shells
- Mixing bowl for combining filling ingredients
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells about 20-24 shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups spinach loosely packed
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the spinach, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef and spinach mixture with half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and spinach mixture, placing them seam-side up in the dish.
- Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- To add a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven for best results.