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!
Introduction
This Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe is inspired by classic Italian flavors, bringing a hearty, wholesome meal to your table. The dish combines the savory essence of Italian cuisine with an easy-to-follow method, making it a perfect choice for home cooks and pasta lovers. From the creamy ricotta and spinach filling to the robust marinara-meat sauce, every bite will remind you of a cozy Italian trattoria. Perfect for a family dinner or even a dinner party, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following 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)
Ingredient substitutions: For dairy-free versions, replace ricotta and cheese blend with plant-based alternatives. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or your favorite meat substitute.
How to Make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 2–3 minutes less than the package directions to avoid overcooking. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion with ¼ teaspoon salt until translucent, which takes about 3–5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with another ¼ teaspoon salt. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it out for a lighter sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, thawed and squeezed spinach, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 7: Fill the Shells
Take a cooked shell and stuff it with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Repeat this for all the shells.
Step 8: Assemble the Dish
In a large baking dish, spread half of the beef marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the filled shells on top, and then cover them with the remaining beef marinara sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian cheese blend and Parmesan.
Step 9: Bake the Stuffed Shells
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef!
Helpful Tips for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Tip for tender shells: Undercook the pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Ricotta texture: Use a part-skim ricotta for a creamy but less dense filling.
- Sauce richness: Add a pinch of sugar to the marinara sauce if it’s too acidic, or a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Perfect stuffing technique: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the shells evenly without overstuffing.
- Avoiding soggy pasta: Let the shells cool completely before stuffing, which helps them hold their shape better.
- Cheese choice: Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a melty and flavorful topping.
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or a light bruschetta appetizer. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the richness of the beef and marinara flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1/9th of the recipe):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.
Storage and Leftovers for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze well. After assembling, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through. Individual servings can be microwaved for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the ricotta mixture. - What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or lentils for a similar texture. - How do I prevent shells from breaking while cooking?
Stir gently during boiling and avoid overcooking. Remove them from the water as soon as they are al dente.
Related Recipes for Stuffed Shell Lovers
For more comforting and hearty meal ideas, check out these related recipes:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread
– Another satisfying, family-friendly option for cozy dinners.
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix
– A fun appetizer that’s packed with flavor and perfect for parties or snacks.
Conclusion
Ready to dive into the comforting, cheesy goodness of Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef? This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, whether for a casual weeknight meal or a cozy gathering with friends. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments and let us know if you added any special twists to the recipe. Enjoy!
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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe – Comfort Food
Description
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!
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
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 2–3 minutes less than the package directions to avoid overcooking. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion with ¼ teaspoon salt until translucent, which takes about 3–5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with another ¼ teaspoon salt. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it out for a lighter sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, thawed and squeezed spinach, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 7: Fill the Shells
Take a cooked shell and stuff it with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Repeat this for all the shells.
Step 8: Assemble the Dish
In a large baking dish, spread half of the beef marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the filled shells on top, and then cover them with the remaining beef marinara sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian cheese blend and Parmesan.
Step 9: Bake the Stuffed Shells
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Tip for tender shells: Undercook the pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Ricotta texture: Use a part-skim ricotta for a creamy but less dense filling.
- Sauce richness: Add a pinch of sugar to the marinara sauce if it’s too acidic, or a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
