Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef: A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef: A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef. This hearty dish combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture and a rich ground beef marinara sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and mouthwatering flavors.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions, these stuffed shells are a versatile dish that never disappoints. They can be made ahead of time and even frozen for those busy weeknights when you need something comforting and satisfying without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: The combination of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and savory beef marinara sauce makes this a meal to remember.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These shells can be prepped ahead and frozen for ultimate convenience.
• Versatile and Customizable: Swap the beef for turkey, sausage, or a plant-based protein, or add more vegetables for a personal twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or serving at a gathering.

A Timeless Classic

Stuffed shells have been a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine for generations. This version elevates the dish with a balance of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and savory ground beef marinara. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe is a go-to for its simplicity and flavor. Serve it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients Breakdown

This dish comes together with a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

1. Jumbo Pasta Shells: Perfect for holding the creamy ricotta-spinach filling.
2. Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, mild base to the filling.
3. Spinach: Thawed and well-squeezed, spinach adds flavor, texture, and nutrients.
4. Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.
5. Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce that ties the dish together.
6. Italian Cheese Blend and Parmesan: A combination of cheeses that melt beautifully and create a golden topping.
7. Seasonings: Garlic, onion, and parsley add depth and aroma to the dish.

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions.
• Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Beef Marinara Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion with ¼ teaspoon of salt until translucent (3-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef and another ¼ teaspoon salt, cooking until browned (5-7 minutes).
• Stir in the marinara sauce and mix well. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

• In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, thawed spinach (squeezed well), 1 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.

Step 5: Fill the Shells

• Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into each cooked shell.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

• Spread half of the beef marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled shells on top.
• Cover the shells with the remaining beef marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Italian cheese blend and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Chef’s Tips

• Prevent Overcooking the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta shells to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils for a meatless version.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the stuffed shells in a foil pan, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Add Extra Veggies: Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the marinara sauce for more flavor and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes! Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for ricotta, and you can use mozzarella or provolone in place of the Italian cheese blend.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

4. What’s the best way to reheat stuffed shells?
Cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F. This prevents the shells from drying out.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use two baking dishes and freeze one for a future meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Stuffed shells with ground beef are not just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrients:

• Protein: The ground beef and ricotta cheese provide plenty of protein to keep you satisfied.
• Calcium: The cheese and ricotta are great sources of calcium.
• Vitamins and Fiber: Spinach adds vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber.