Healthy Stuffed Shells with Ground Turkey and Spinach Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Stuffed Shells combine lean ground turkey, spinach, and a flavorful cheese blend for a comforting yet nutritious meal. Baked with marinara sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella, they’re perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 12 oz jumbo shells
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 10 oz frozen spinach
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 9 oz Parmesan Romano cheese blend
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 48 oz marinara sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, covering with a wet paper towel to prevent drying out.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey and ground beef together with diced onion until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Thaw frozen spinach by rinsing it under warm water in a colander. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan Romano blend, cooked meat and onions, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Step 5: Gently stuff each cooked shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a large baking dish or two smaller dishes (one can be frozen for later).
6. Step 6: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use only ground turkey and omit the ground beef.
• Swap frozen spinach with fresh baby spinach for a fresher flavor; just sauté and drain it first.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle heat.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also freeze an unbaked portion before baking—freeze covered tightly, then bake from frozen adding extra baking time as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add extra baking time if baking from cold. Alternatively, freeze the assembled dish before baking and bake from frozen when ready.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely. Feel free to substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a different cheese texture and flavor.

Healthy Stuffed Shells with Ground Turkey and Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 66 reviews

Healthy Stuffed Shells with Ground Turkey and Spinach is a flavorful and protein-packed Italian-inspired dish featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of ground turkey, beef, ricotta, spinach, and cheeses. Baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz jumbo shells

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 10 oz frozen spinach

Cheeses and Seasoning

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 9 oz Parmesan Romano cheese blend
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Toppings

• 48 oz marinara sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil jumbo shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, covering with a wet paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
2. Brown the Meat and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey and ground beef together with the diced onion until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
3. Prepare the Spinach: Thaw frozen spinach by rinsing under warm water in a colander. Press firmly to remove as much excess water as possible to avoid watery filling.
4. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the browned meat and onion mixture, Parmesan Romano cheese blend, ricotta cheese, pressed spinach, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to form a cohesive stuffing mixture.
5. Stuff the Shells: Gently fill each cooked jumbo shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a large baking dish or divide between two smaller pans if you wish to freeze one portion for later.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the filled shells. Top the shells with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese to create a melty, golden topping during baking.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled shells for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the sauce is hot and bubbling in the center.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty, healthy, and delicious stuffed shells dish!

Notes

• Pressing the spinach well is crucial to avoid soggy filling and watery sauce.
• You can substitute ground beef with all turkey or another lean meat for a lighter version.
• Freezing one baking pan before baking is a convenient meal prep option.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan Romano blend for best flavor.
• If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, use shredded mozzarella but expect slightly different texture.

Keywords: stuffed shells, ground turkey, spinach, ricotta cheese, Italian recipe, baked pasta, healthy dinner, marinara sauce