These stuffed jumbo shells are the perfect blend of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and a savory beef marinara sauce. Topped with melted cheese, they deliver a hearty and comforting meal for any occasion. The golden-baked finish and vibrant parsley garnish make this dish a stunning centerpiece on your dinner table.
Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re making it ahead or enjoying it fresh out of the oven, it’s sure to be a hit. Pair it with a fresh side salad and crusty garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
Full Recipe:
- 27 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 28 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed well
- 2 cups part-skim shredded Italian cheese blend or shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in salted water for 2-3 minutes less than package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion with ¼ teaspoon of salt until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef with ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess oil if desired.
- Stir marinara sauce into the beef mixture and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, thawed spinach, 1 cup Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and ¼ teaspoon salt until combined.
- Fill each cooked shell with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta mixture.
- Spread half of the beef marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with the rest of the Italian cheese blend and Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
A Comforting Classic: Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Ground Beef
Stuffed shells with ground beef is a dish that embodies comfort and tradition, bringing together the heartiness of pasta, the creaminess of ricotta, and the savory depth of marinara-infused ground beef. This classic baked pasta dish is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and a favorite for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a make-ahead freezer meal for busy weeknights.
What makes this dish so beloved is its versatility and ability to bring people together. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with the warm aroma of garlic and simmering marinara, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, yet the layers of flavors and textures create an impression of effort and care in the kitchen.
The Origins and Appeal of Stuffed Shells
While the dish may have Italian roots, stuffed shells as we know them today are a modern interpretation, popularized in the United States. This dish takes jumbo pasta shells, known as “conchiglioni,” and fills them with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and sometimes meat, before baking them in a marinara sauce topped with cheese. The result is a gooey, savory, and utterly satisfying dish that combines the best of baked pasta and cheesy casseroles.
Stuffed shells with ground beef bring an extra dimension of flavor with the inclusion of seasoned, browned meat. The beef marinara sauce not only adds a hearty texture but also enhances the flavor profile, creating a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why stuffed jumbo shells with ground beef deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Here are some of the key highlights that make this recipe a standout:
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of pasta, cheese, spinach, and ground beef creates a complete meal that is both filling and well-balanced.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stuffed shells can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules.
- Customizable: From swapping out proteins to experimenting with different cheeses and vegetables, this recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes.
- Nostalgic Comfort Food: Baked pasta dishes like this evoke memories of family gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy dinners at home.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Shells
Achieving the perfect stuffed shells requires attention to a few key details. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Cook Pasta Just Right: Boil the shells slightly under al dente. They will continue cooking in the oven and will hold their shape better for stuffing.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use a good-quality marinara sauce and fresh ricotta cheese for the best flavor. If time permits, making homemade marinara sauce can elevate the dish even further.
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid a watery filling.
- Layer the Sauce Generously: Adding a layer of marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish prevents the shells from sticking and ensures every bite is saucy and flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Topping: A generous layer of shredded cheese on top creates that irresistible bubbly and golden finish.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool slightly after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed shells with ground beef is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Consider serving it with:
- A Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for extra crunch.
- Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Warm, buttery garlic bread or a slice of soft focaccia is perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a nutritious balance to the hearty pasta.
- A Glass of Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the dish.
Variations to Try
One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and use more vegetables in the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
- Protein Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add shredded provolone or Gruyère for an extra cheesy topping, or mix mascarpone into the ricotta filling for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace ricotta with a tofu-based ricotta substitute and use vegan cheese for the topping. Lentils can be used as a ground beef alternative.
Why It’s Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
Stuffed shells with ground beef is the ultimate make-ahead dish. The stuffed shells can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire dish (unbaked) for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or hosting guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Conclusion
Stuffed jumbo shells with ground beef is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the satisfying process of stuffing each shell to the joy of pulling a bubbling, golden-brown dish out of the oven, this recipe is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. It’s a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or gifting it to a loved one as a freezer meal, these stuffed shells never fail to impress. With its rich flavors, comforting textures, and versatile nature, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating a meal that brings warmth and happiness to your table.