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Stuffed Shells with Meat

Stuffed Shells with Meat

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Stuffed Shells with Meat is a comforting and satisfying dish that promises to be a hit at any family gathering or weeknight dinner. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and ground beef mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating an irresistible combination of flavors. This recipe is straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. With its hearty filling and rich sauce, each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3/41 lb ground beef
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 32 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
  • 1 box jumbo shells
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced red and green bell peppers until softened. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper; simmer briefly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and kosher salt; mix well.
  5. Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  6. Spread some meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish; arrange stuffed shells in a single layer on top and pour remaining meat sauce over them.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top, increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until bubbly.
  8. Let rest briefly before serving; garnish with fresh parsley.

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