Stuffed Shells And Meatballs Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• STEP 2.Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• STEP 3.In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• STEP 4.Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
• STEP 5.In another bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• STEP 6.Shape the meat mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• STEP 7.Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
• STEP 8.Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, and place the meatballs on top.
• STEP 9.Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the shells are heated through.
• STEP 10.Serve the stuffed shells and meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
• STEP 11.Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to cook the pasta shells until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• You can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry, or fresh spinach that has been cooked and drained.
• For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to the ricotta mixture.
• If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or a combination of ground meats for the meatballs.
• Serve the stuffed shells and meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Serving

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the stuffed shells and meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.