Ricotta, Spinach, and Ground Beef Stuffed Jumbo Shells (40 Minutes)

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of stuffed jumbo shells, a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, the savory taste of ground beef, and the nutritional goodness of spinach.

This skillet meal is a fantastic way to enjoy a baked pasta dish with less hassle, featuring jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a flavorful mixture, nestled in a light red sauce, and topped with shredded cheese that’s broiled to perfection.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a dish to impress guests, these stuffed shells offer a delightful eating experience.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta Shells (10 minutes):
    Cook the jumbo shells in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, taking care to keep them from sticking together.
  2. Prepare the Filling (10 minutes):
    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the beef mixture, ricotta, spinach, half of the mozzarella, and all the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Fill the Shells (10 minutes):
    Preheat your oven’s broiler. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the skillet. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta-beef mixture and place them in the skillet.
  4. Add Sauce and Cheese (5 minutes):
    Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  5. Broil (5 minutes):
    Place the skillet under the broiler and cook until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of the stuffed shells, with the melted cheese providing a delightful finish.

Equipment

Notes

Perfecting this recipe involves balancing the flavors and textures of the filling ingredients, ensuring the pasta is cooked just right, and achieving a golden, melty cheese topping under the broiler.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering a combination of classic ingredients in a single skillet for a comforting and convenient meal.

Serve these stuffed shells with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Pair this with...

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

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