Ground Beef Stuffed Shells

This is a recipe I have wanted to try for some time now but for some reason I just never got around to it until today.

Now since I have never made this one before I am borrowing a recipe from Taste of Home Magazine but of course I will be adding my own little flair to it.

Cooks Note: This recipe is a bit labour intensive so give yourself adequate time to prepare it. 

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

• 1 package Jumbo Pasta Shells
• 3 tbsp Canola Oil.
• 2 pounds Ground Beef
• 1 Medium Sweet Onion – diced
• 4 Garlic Cloves – chopped
• 5 cups Baby Spinach
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 8 ounce jar Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
• 1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• chopped Parsley for garnish.

Putting it all together:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. In a large pot of salted water cook the shells according to the package instructions. When cooked run under cold water.
3. While the pasta is cooking brown the  ground beef in a large pan, drain and remove to a bowl.
4. Return the ground beef to the pan and add in the onion, garlic, spinach, pesto, salt and pepper and simmer for about ten minutes.
5. In a separate bowl mix the Ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups Parmesan and egg.
6. Mix half the beef mixture with the cheese.
7. In a greased 13×9 baking dish spread 3/4 cup of pasta sauce. Stuff the shells with the beef and cheese mix and place in the dish.
8. Mix the remaining pasta sauce in with the remaining half of the ground beef and pour over the stuffed shells.
9. Top with Parmesan and Italian blend and bake until cheese has melted and is bubbly, about 15 mins.
10. Garnish with Parsley and enjoy.

There you have it another “Simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time……..

                            Bon Appetit