Lasagna-Stuffed Shells
Description
Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a lasagna-inspired blend of ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, and ground beef in this family-friendly recipe.
Ingredients
•
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
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salt and ground black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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2 tablespoons chopped onion
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce, divided
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18 jumbo pasta shells
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3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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1 (16 ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
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1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 (8 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
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1/4 cup fresh basil
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1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1/2 of the ground beef with a big pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the beef is seared and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Remove beef from the pan and cook the remainder. Set all meat aside.
2
Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the onion. Saute until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and oregano, followed by the ground beef and one jar of sauce. Stir to combine and reduce to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Strain; feel free to reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if you like.
5
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in another pan over medium heat and add the garlic. Saute until lightly golden. Transfer garlic to a mixing bowl with ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, basil, and lemon zest and juice. Add salt to taste.
6
Pour remaining tomato sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells followed by the meat mixture. As you finish stuffing each shell, place it in the sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven until the shells are hot in the center and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.