Spinach Pesto And Beef Stuffed Shells Recipes

EASY BEEF-STUFFED SHELLS

Steps:

• Cook pasta shells according to package directions to al dente; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, pesto, egg and half of the beef mixture., Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Spoon cheese mixture into pasta shells; place in baking dish. Combine remaining beef mixture and spaghetti sauce; pour over shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer.

SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS

Steps:

• preheat oven 350.
• cook jumbo shells according to pkg direction: drain, reserve 1/2 c pasta water.
• cook ground beef.
• stir in oil, spinach, onion, garlic.
• add some of the pasta water until blended well.
• let mixture cool.
• stir in egg and parmesan cheese.
• Freeze stuffing if making it for a freezer recipe.
• Serving Directions: pour 1 c tomato basil sauce into 13x9 baking dish.
• fill jumbo shells with meat mixture; place in dish.
• pour remaining sauce over shells.
• cover with foil.
• bake 30 min or until thoroughly heated.

RICOTTA-STUFFED SHELLS WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Put a large pot of well-salted water over high heat, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta shells, put the lid on the pot to help water return to a boil, then remove lid, stir pasta and continue cooking, uncovered until al dente, usually abut 10 minutes. (It's better to err on the undercooked side than risk flabby pasta, so check early and often.)
• Remove pasta from pot and cool in a large bowl of water. Drain well and spread cooked shells on a baking sheet lined with a kitchen towel.
• Meanwhile, make the ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, scallions, parsley, thyme, lemon zest and juice, and crushed red pepper to taste. Add grated Parmesan and pecorino. Season well with salt and pepper and mix well to incorporate ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a large shallow baking dish (use 2 dishes if necessary). Using a spoon or pastry bag, put about 1 tablespoon ricotta mixture into each pasta shell. Arrange the filled shells in one layer in the baking dish, packed closely together. Drizzle surface lightly with olive oil, or use a small brush to lightly paint each shell.
• Sprinkle top with 1/4 cup pecorino and bread crumbs and bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, until heated through, crisp and golden brown.
• To make the pesto, pulse basil, parsley, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender or food processor until roughly chopped. Add oil slowly and blend well. Add a little pepper, taste and adjust seasoning and transfer to a serving bowl.
• To serve, drizzle shells with a little pesto sauce and pass the rest at the table.

SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Remove from the heat. Stir in the spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, carrot and seasonings; mix well. Stuff into pasta shells. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and salt; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over shells; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through. Uncover and bake 5 minutes longer or until browned.

CREAMY PESTO-STUFFED SHELLS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350ºF.
• Cook pasta shells as directed on package, omitting salt.
• Meanwhile, brown beef with onions in large skillet; drain. Remove from heat. Mix cream cheese spread, 2 Tbsp. milk and pesto until blended; stir 3/4 cup into meat. Add ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan; mix well.
• Drain shells; stuff with meat mixture. Spread 1 cup sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; top with shells and remaining sauce. Cover.
• Bake 25 min. Mix remaining cream cheese mixture and milk; drizzle over shells. Top with remaining mozzarella; bake, uncovered, 5 min. or until melted.