Looking for a delicious, hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells recipe! With jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, spinach, and melty cheese, all baked in a rich marinara sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s a perfect combination of comfort food, flavor, and nutrition that the whole family will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells
- Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, spinach, ricotta, and cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful filling that’s perfect for pasta lovers.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this dish is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether it’s adding extra veggies, using a different cheese blend, or even swapping ground beef for another protein like turkey.
Ingredients for Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells
- 27 jumbo pasta shells – These large shells are perfect for stuffing with a flavorful filling and holding in all the delicious ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and garlic to start building flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped – Adds savory depth to the beef filling.
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided – Seasoning the filling and the pasta.
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped – Brings a fragrant, aromatic element to the dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef – The star of the dish, providing a rich, savory base for the filling.
- 28 ounces marinara sauce – Either homemade or store-bought, this forms the delicious sauce that blankets the stuffed shells.
- 1 15-oz container part-skim ricotta cheese – A creamy, mild cheese that pairs perfectly with the beef and spinach.
- 1 egg – Helps bind the ricotta-spinach mixture together.
- 1 16-oz package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed well – Adds nutritional value and a pop of color.
- 2 cups part-skim shredded Italian cheese blend or shredded mozzarella – Provides a melty, cheesy goodness to the filling and the topping.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, divided – Adds a sharp, salty bite to both the filling and the topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley – For garnish and a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake the dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This is crucial, as it helps prevent the shells from becoming too soft during the baking process. After draining, rinse the shells with cold water and set them aside to cool.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté with ¼ teaspoon of salt until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Cook, breaking the beef into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess oil if necessary, then remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce with the beef mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly combined, then set the skillet aside. This savory, beefy marinara sauce will form the base of the dish.
6. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, thawed spinach (squeezed well to remove excess moisture), 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This will be the filling for the pasta shells.
7. Stuff the Shells
Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Be generous, as you want each shell to be packed with creamy goodness.
8. Assemble the Dish
Spread half of the beef marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping.
9. Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy your cheesy, hearty stuffed shells!
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells
- Beef Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Homemade Marinara: For an extra special touch, use homemade marinara sauce made from your homegrown tomatoes for a more vibrant and fresh flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling the shells and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Extra Cheese: Feel free to add extra cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, to the filling for added richness.
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh salad can balance out the richness of the stuffed shells and add some crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots make excellent sides that complement the cheesy, meaty filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Simply sauté the spinach in a little olive oil until wilted, then squeeze out the excess moisture before using.
Can I freeze stuffed cheesy beef shells?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked shells. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Can I make this dish without ricotta cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cheesy Beef Shells is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich combination of ground beef, spinach, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, all wrapped in tender jumbo pasta shells and baked in marinara sauce, this recipe delivers comfort and deliciousness in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite!