Ingredients:

  • 1 box (12 oz / 340g) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
  • 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions (usually about 8-9 minutes). Drain and immediately toss with olive oil to prevent the shells from fusing together. Let them cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and beaten egg. Fold in the finely chopped spinach, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is a uniform, velvety consistency.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown until no longer pink, searing the edges for maximum flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
  4. Spread 1 cup (240ml) of the meat sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a spoon or piping bag to generously fill each shell with the cheese mixture and place them side-by-side in the dish. Top with the remaining meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden-brown.