stuffed shells

Franklin, TN
Updated on Feb 15, 2011

This is a filling dish. This was orginally a stuffed manicotti recipe, however I made a few adjustments, and then stuffed shells. You can use this recipe for stuffed shells or stuffed manicotti. My family loved this, it goes great with a salad and garlic bread. Or great to take to a potluck or office party.

prep time 25 Min
cook time 30 Min
method ---
yield 7-8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • SPAGHETTI SAUCE
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 - green pepper, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce (29 ounces)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine (if you do not want to use wine, you can sub for water)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • MEAT STUFFING
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 package frozen chopped spinach, (10 ounces), if you do not have frozen you can use fresh spinach, you will just need to saute it first)
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3 - eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 box pasta shells (i used the ones that once cooked hold about 1/2 - 3/4 inside)
  • 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

How To Make stuffed shells

  • Step 1
    In a large saucepan, saute onion and green pepper in olive oil until tender. Add garlic; cook for abount 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients; and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about an hour, stirring occationally. Uncover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
  • Step 2
    While that is cooking, for the stuffing; brown the beef and onion in a skillet. Then add garlic; and cook for another minute. Drain and cool slightly.
  • Step 3
    Squeeze spinach to remove excess water; add to skillet with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs oregano, salt & pepper. Mix well. The sauce makes about 4 cups, you will only need about 2 1/2-3 cups for this recipe. You can save the reaminder for another recipe (you can also freeze for a starter sauce).
  • Step 4
    You will take some of the sauce, a cup or so and into a 13 8 9 baking dish. Stuff the shells with the meat filling, arrange over the sauce. Pour another 1 1/2-2 cups of sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  • Step 5
    Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Discover More

Category: Beef
Category: Pasta
Culture: Italian

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