Irresistible Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce are like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavor and comfort. Imagine tender pasta shells cradling a creamy spinach filling, smothered in rich, zesty meat sauce that dances with garlic and herbs. easy chicken tortellini dish This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of family gatherings and cozy dinners. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Sausage Kale Pasta recipe.

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I remember the first time I made Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce. My friends were raving about it as they eagerly scraped their plates clean, and I felt like a culinary superhero. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or when you want to impress someone special. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that makes every bite worth savoring.

I once served these Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce at a potluck, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells hold all the goodness inside; choose high-quality pasta for the best texture.
• Ground Beef: For the meat sauce, lean ground beef works best; it adds great flavor without too much grease. delicious cheesy ground beef enchiladas.
• Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and nutritional punch; pre-washed bags save time.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have topping that melts beautifully over baked shells for that gooey finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor; skip the pre-grated stuff if you can.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives depth to the sauce; use more if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Canned Tomato Sauce: Choose quality tomato sauce as your base; it’s essential for that rich flavor we crave.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds warmth and complexity to both the meat sauce and spinach filling. creamy mushroom soup recipe comforting Italian meatball soup.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; don’t forget to adjust according to taste!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot over high heat. Add salt generously before dropping in the jumbo shells. Cook them until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes usually does the trick. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef along with minced garlic. Cook until browned while breaking up the meat into small pieces—this takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat before stirring in canned tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Prepare Spinach Filling

In another bowl, combine fresh spinach (roughly chopped), ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined—this is where creamy dreams begin! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe.

Assemble the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish—this prevents sticking and adds more flavor! Fill each cooked shell generously with spinach mixture before placing them in the dish side by side.

Top with Sauce & Cheese

Once all shells are nestled comfortably in their saucy bed, pour remaining meat sauce over them generously. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top—this is where magic happens! Cover loosely with foil before baking for 20 minutes.

Bake & Serve

Remove from oven after 20 minutes and take off foil—bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top! Allow it to cool slightly before serving so those oozing cheesy layers don’t scald your tongue.

Now you’ve got yourself a heavenly plate of Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce ready to impress! Enjoy every last bite because trust me; leftovers are just as good (if they last long enough!).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare the meat sauce while they cool. This ensures everything is hot and ready simultaneously for assembly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add mushrooms and zucchini to the filling. Personalizing these shells makes them uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover spinach stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring they’re heated through.

The first time I made spinach stuffed shells, my friends ate so much they could barely move afterward. Laughter filled the room as we all promised to work out together—eventually.

FAQ

Can I make spinach stuffed shells with meat sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance and bake when ready.

What type of cheese works best in the filling?

Ricotta cheese is traditional, but mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Can I freeze spinach stuffed shells with meat sauce?

Absolutely! They freeze well; just ensure they’re tightly wrapped before freezing.

Print

Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings families together. Plump jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy spinach and ricotta are topped with a savory meat sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups canned tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook jumbo shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with minced garlic for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until combined.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each shell with the spinach mixture and place them in the dish.
5. Pour remaining meat sauce over filled shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Personalize by swapping ground beef for turkey or adding vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the filling. Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.