Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells

These Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and satisfying meal. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful beef and spinach mixture, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. It's an easy yet impressive dinner that will please the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Filling: Beef, spinach, and ricotta make for a rich and flavorful filling.

• Baked to Perfection: The dish is baked, giving the flavors time to meld together, creating a comforting meal.

• Simple Ingredients: Classic ingredients come together to make a wholesome, savory meal.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup cooked spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped and drained)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 egg (beaten)

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking up the beef into small pieces with a spatula (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

4. Stuff the Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and spinach mixture, then place it in the baking dish on top of the sauce.

5. Bake: Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted. For a golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

6. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

• Make-Ahead: Stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Flavor Boost: Add some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the filling for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and add extra spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies for a vegetarian version.

These Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s sure to be a favorite. Enjoy! 🍝🧀