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Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

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3.8 from 4 reviews

These Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are a cozy and comforting meal perfect for family dinners. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of ground sirloin, spinach, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked in a rich marinara and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. This dish is packed with protein and veggies, making it flavorful, filling, and freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Pasta Shells

  • 27-29 jumbo shells

Filling

  • 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (thawed and excess liquid squeezed out)
  • 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cracked pepper
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb. ground sirloin
  • 1 onion, small diced
  • 28 oz. marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Olive oil for sautéing and tossing pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spinach and cheese mixture: Thaw the frozen chopped spinach and wring out all excess liquid thoroughly to prevent watery filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach with 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, cottage cheese, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, cracked pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to incorporate and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until just under al dente, about one minute less than package instructions to avoid overcooking. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Toss shells lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Sauté onion and cook ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add ground sirloin and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease and allow the meat and onion mixture to cool slightly.
  4. Mix half the meat with the cheese filling: Transfer half of the cooled meat and onion mixture into the spinach and cheese bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Set aside the other half of meat for the sauce.
  5. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
  6. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking pan. Pour 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom.
  7. Stuff the shells: Fill each cooked jumbo shell with about 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese and meat filling. Arrange the stuffed shells open side up in the prepared baking dish in a single even layer.
  8. Make the meat marinara sauce and assemble: Mix the remaining meat and onion mixture into the rest of the marinara sauce. Pour this meat sauce evenly over the stuffed shells to cover them. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil.
  9. Bake the stuffed shells: Bake covered for 25-30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
  10. Finish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the baked shells. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Make sure to wring out the spinach very well to avoid watery filling.
  • The shells should be cooked just under al dente since they will continue cooking in the oven.
  • You can substitute ground sirloin with other ground beef cuts if desired.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
  • Adjust seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Using a parchment-lined baking sheet for the shells after boiling helps prevent sticking.
  • Letting the dish cool slightly before serving ensures easier portioning and better flavor.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/ground-beef-stuffed-shells-recipe/