Welcome to a world of comfort food bliss with our Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe! If you’re searching for a satisfying, family-friendly dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful spinach, and savory ground beef marinara sauce, you’re in the right place. This recipe is a great make-ahead option and can be frozen for busy weeknights. Gather around for a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy! The delightful combination of tender pasta shells filled with rich cheeses and ground beef in a marinara sauce clings to your taste buds perfectly, making it an instant favorite.
What sets this dish apart is not just its comforting flavor, but also its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time, making dinner more manageable even on the busiest nights. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your family’s tastes – you can experiment with different cheeses or add other veggies. With a prep time that won’t drain your energy, these stuffed shells make for an excellent weekday meal or a showstopper at family gatherings. So let’s dig into the details and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The blend of ricotta, meat, and marinara creates a dish bursting with rich flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make for a fuss-free cooking experience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance and freezing for easy weekday meals.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this satisfying dish.
- Versatile Options: Customize with various ingredients to cater to different tastes.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen effectively. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. Gather all the ingredients listed, and keep them within reach to streamline the process. You will need a large pot for boiling your pasta shells, a large skillet for cooking the beef and sauce, mixing bowls for your ricotta mixture, and a baking dish to assemble and cook your stuffed shells. Having a spatula for stirring, a colander for draining the pasta, and measuring cups and spoons are also crucial. Once you have everything laid out, you’re on your way to culinary success!
Ingredients
- 27 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 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, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential as it ensures that the dish cooks evenly, leading to perfectly baked stuffed shells with melted cheese on top.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions but reduce the time by about 2 to 3 minutes to avoid overcooking. Once they are just al dente, drain them and immediately rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the shells from becoming too soft.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion with ¼ teaspoon of salt for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the chopped garlic and continue to cook for another minute. This step allows the garlic to release its fragrance without burning, providing depth to the overall flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and sprinkle with another ¼ teaspoon of salt. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and there’s no pink left. If you notice excess grease, carefully drain it to ensure the sauce maintains its richness without being too oily.
Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, mixing until the beef is well coated. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the sauce a richer taste. After simmering, take it off the heat and set aside while you prepare the ricotta mixture.
Step 6: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, well-drained spinach, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the spinach and cheese are evenly distributed. This mixture will serve as the creamy filling for your stuffed shells.
Step 7: Fill the Shells
Take each cooked jumbo shell and carefully stuff it with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Be generous but ensure that the stuffing is evenly distributed without overfilling, as they will need space to expand during baking. Repeat this process until all the shells are filled.
Step 8: Assemble the Dish
At the bottom of a large baking dish, spread half of the beef marinara sauce. Arrange the filled pasta shells on top of this layer. Cover the shells with the remaining beef marinara sauce, ensuring they are well-protected in the oven. For a delightful cheesy topping, sprinkle the rest of the Italian cheese blend and Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
Step 9: Bake the Stuffed Shells
Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil to trap heat and moisture while baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. For a fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley to brighten your plate and add a pop of color. Enjoy this delicious stuffed shells dish hot, soaking in all the flavors!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spices: Enhance the dish by adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil to the marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- To keep the pasta from sticking together, spread a little olive oil on the shells after cooking and draining.
- For a creamier filling, mix in cream cheese or sour cream along with the ricotta.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your stuffed shells with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
- Serve crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping into the delicious marinara sauce.
Tips
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheat in the oven for best results.
- Consider freezing extra filled shells before baking; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a bit of time to the cooking process.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat shells instead of regular ones?
Absolutely! Whole wheat shells are a nutritious alternative that adds extra fiber to your meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them before baking for longer storage.
Can I add other cheeses to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to mix in mozzarella, feta, or even goat cheese for a unique flavor.
What do I serve with stuffed shells?
A simple green salad and garlic bread make perfect accompaniments to your stuffed shells, balancing the rich flavors with freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe delivers not just comfort, but also a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to please your family and friends. Its make-ahead capability makes it an excellent choice for busy weekdays or entertaining, enhancing its appeal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your personal taste. We encourage you to share your thoughts, variations, and experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking, and may your stuffed shells bring warmth and joy to your table!
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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Welcome to a world of comfort food bliss with our Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe!
Ingredients
- 27 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 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, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions but reduce the time by about 2 to 3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion with ¼ teaspoon of salt for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and sprinkle with another ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, well-drained spinach, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Take each cooked jumbo shell and carefully stuff it with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture.
- Spread half of the beef marinara sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish and arrange the filled pasta shells on top.
- Cover the shells with the remaining beef marinara sauce and sprinkle the rest of the Italian cheese blend and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Notes
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 28 g