Healthy Stuffed Shells with Ground Turkey and Spinach
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with spinach, ricotta cheese and lean ground turkey make this healthy stuffed shells recipe a hearty, protein-packed dinner. Baked in marinara sauce with Italian cheeses, these ground turkey stuffed shells are an easy family meal that can be made ahead or frozen for later. Use all ground turkey or a blend of turkey and lean ground beef for extra flavor.
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 481kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo shells
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- 10 oz frozen spinach
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 9 oz Parmesan Romano cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 48 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil jumbo shells according to package. Drain and set aside covering with a wet paper towel to keep from drying.
- Brown ground meat in a skillet together over medium heat with diced onion. Cook until no pink meat remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Thaw spinach in a colander under warm water. Press to remove excess water.
- In a large bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese blend, ricotta cheese, spinach, meat, onions and spices including salt and pepper.
- Take meat and cheese mixture and gently stuff into shells. Line a large baking pan or two smaller baking pans (freeze one!) with shells.
- Cover shells with marinara sauce. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella. Bake at 375˚F for about 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce it bubbling in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Video
Notes
- To reheat from frozen, thaw first or cover with foil and add approximately 10 minutes to the bake time.
- You can use marinara sauce, pasta sauce, or tomato sauce. Your choice. I prefer the flavor of Marinara.
Nutrition
Serving: 3shells | Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1062mg | Potassium: 816mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3652IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 462mg | Iron: 4mg
