There is nothing like a warm pasta dish on a chilly winter evening. You come home and want something that feels like a hug. These Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are exactly that.
This recipe is a hearty family meal that everyone will love. It is simple to make even on a busy Tuesday. You get tasty beef, healthy spinach, and lots of cheese. It is a complete dinner in one pan.
Why You’ll Love These Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser for all ages. It is very budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients. You can feed your whole family without spending a lot. It is perfect for a cozy night in.
The combination of beef and three cheeses is so satisfying. Adding spinach makes it feel fresh and balanced. You can even prep it ahead of time. It makes your busy weeknights much smoother and calmer.
Simple Cooking Method
Making these shells is easier than you think. You just boil the pasta and brown the meat. Then you mix everything in one big bowl. It is a very beginner-friendly process for any cook.
Filling the shells is actually quite fun and relaxing. You just use a spoon to stuff them full. Even if you are new to cooking, you will succeed. Your kitchen will smell like a classic Italian home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry or fridge already.
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Boil jumbo shells in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside on parchment paper.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells great.
- In a large bowl, mix beef, spinach, ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella. Add parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture. Arrange them in the dish.
- Pour the rest of the sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 15 to 20 more minutes until bubbly.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these shells while they are warm and melty. They pair perfectly with a simple side salad. A piece of crusty garlic bread is also great. It helps soak up all that extra sauce.
For a special family dinner, set the table nicely. Light a few candles to make it feel extra cozy. You can even top with fresh parsley for color. Everyone will leave the table feeling very happy.
Storage & Reheating
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They actually taste even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together.
To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. You can also use the microwave for a quick lunch. This recipe is great for meal prep too.
Tips for Best Results
- Squeeze the spinach very dry to avoid a watery sauce.
- Cook the pasta shells just to al dente so they stay firm.
- Place cooked shells on parchment paper so they do not stick.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a busy night.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal.
- Use spicy marinara sauce to give it a kick.
- Try cottage cheese if you do not have ricotta.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for more earthy flavor.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day early. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
These shells freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking. It is a perfect freezer meal.
Will my kids eat the spinach?
Most kids do not even notice the spinach inside. It is chopped small and mixed with yummy cheese. It is a great way to eat greens.
I hope this cozy meal brings your family together tonight. There is nothing better than a warm, cheesy dinner. Enjoy every bite and stay warm!
— Lidia
Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Boil jumbo shells in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions for al dente; drain and set aside on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, spinach, ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
