These Ground Beef & Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the definition of comfort food. The savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells come together in a dish that’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. A generous topping of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making this dish for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that will satisfy every craving. The balance of textures and flavors in this baked pasta dish makes it one you’ll want to make again and again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Sauté the onions & garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef in the same skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling by mixing spinach, ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Add the cooled beef mixture and stir well.
- Stuff the pasta shells with the beef and ricotta mixture. Arrange them in a baking dish coated with 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells.
- Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors and Textures
One of the standout features of this dish is its combination of flavors and textures. The beef adds a hearty and savory element, while the ricotta provides a creamy and slightly tangy contrast. The spinach contributes a hint of freshness and a nutritional boost, making this a well-rounded dish.
The marinara sauce adds acidity and sweetness, perfectly complementing the richness of the cheese and meat. Finally, the baked mozzarella and Parmesan on top create a bubbly, golden crust that adds an irresistible finishing touch.
2. Easy to Make Yet Impressive
Despite its gourmet appearance and restaurant-quality taste, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find the process of stuffing pasta shells straightforward and rewarding.
This meal is also great for meal prepping. You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
3. A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, stuffed shells are an excellent choice. Their elegant yet comforting nature makes them ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Additionally, this recipe can be easily modified to suit different dietary preferences. You can swap out the ground beef for turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Similarly, you can experiment with different cheeses or add more vegetables to customize the filling.
The Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
While stuffed pasta shells are undoubtedly a comfort food, this particular recipe includes several ingredients that offer great nutritional benefits.
- Ground Beef – A great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12, which supports energy production and brain function.
- Spinach – Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Ricotta Cheese – A good source of calcium and protein, contributing to strong bones and muscle maintenance.
- Tomato-Based Marinara Sauce – Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
This dish provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it both satisfying and nourishing.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Shells
If you want to elevate your stuffed shells to the next level, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Quality Ingredients
Since this dish relies on simple, fresh ingredients, their quality makes a huge difference. Use high-quality marinara sauce (or make your own), fresh spinach, and good-quality cheeses to ensure the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cooking the pasta shells until just al dente is crucial. Since they will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercooking them will prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
3. Drain the Spinach Well
To avoid excess moisture in your filling, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
4. Let the Meat Cool Before Mixing
When combining the ground beef with the ricotta mixture, allow the cooked beef to cool slightly. Mixing it while hot can cause the cheese and egg to separate or curdle.
5. Generously Sauce the Dish
Be sure to coat the bottom of your baking dish with marinara sauce before adding the stuffed shells. This helps prevent sticking and keeps the shells moist as they bake. Adding extra sauce on top ensures that every bite is saucy and delicious.
6. Bake Covered, Then Uncover for a Crispy Top
Covering the dish with foil while baking helps the shells stay moist and prevents the cheese from burning. Removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes allows the cheese to brown and bubble, giving the dish its signature golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed shells are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas:
1. Garlic Bread
A warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra marinara sauce.
2. Fresh Green Salad
A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish. Consider a Caesar salad or an arugula and tomato salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables
For an extra serving of veggies, serve your stuffed shells with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
4. Wine Pairing
A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Stuffed shells freeze exceptionally well. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Instead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Conclusion:
Ground Beef & Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors, a satisfying texture, and a beautiful presentation. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving them at a gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
This dish is easy to customize, nutritious, and freezer-friendly, making it an excellent addition to your go-to recipes. Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete, well-balanced meal.
