Some dinners just feel like a little celebration, even when they’re made on a weeknight budget. These Stuffed Jumbo Shells are one of those dishes. They’re rich, cheesy, full of flavor — and honestly, not expensive to make at all. The first time I tried this combo with spinach, ricotta, and just a touch of cream cheese, I knew it was going to be a keeper.
The best part? They look like something you’d order at an Italian restaurant, but you can whip them up at home with simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (hello, leftovers!), these shells deliver comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant flavor at home — rich filling, savory sauce, melty cheese.
- Customizable — works with any ground meat, or even plant-based versions.
- Crowd-pleasing — perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.
- Budget-friendly — uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
What It Tastes Like
Tender pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mixture of ricotta, cream cheese, spinach, and seasoned ground meat. Baked in a blanket of red sauce and mozzarella, it’s rich and savory with just the right balance of textures.
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground meat of your choice (I used spicy Impossible ground beef)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- Garlic powder, parsley, oregano, and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 4 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 jar red pasta sauce (about 24 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Skillet (for browning meat)
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Colander
- Spoon for stuffing shells
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Meat: Ground beef, turkey, sausage, or plant-based meat all work.
- Greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Cheese twist: Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or add Parmesan to the filling.
- Sauce: Use a marinara, arrabbiata, or tomato basil sauce for a flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the meat: In a skillet, brown your ground meat over medium heat. Add chopped onions and seasonings (garlic powder, parsley, oregano, black pepper) and cook until onions are soft. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Boil the pasta: Cook jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cooled meat mixture with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, and chopped spinach. Mix until well blended.
- Assemble the dish: Pour half of the pasta sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with filling and place in the dish.
- Top and bake: Pour remaining sauce over the shells, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.
- Serve hot — preferably with garlic bread to scoop up all that sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
- Glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot works beautifully)
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Don’t overcook the shells — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Use a piping bag (or a resealable bag with the corner cut) to fill shells easily.
- Make ahead: Assemble in the morning, bake at night.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months — bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meat or use a plant-based option like Impossible or Beyond.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely — sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers would be delicious.
Do I need to cook the spinach first?
Nope! Finely chopped raw spinach works perfectly and cooks inside the shells.
Final Thoughts
These Stuffed Jumbo Shells are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. They’re hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a group or stocking the freezer for busy nights.
If you love Italian-inspired comfort food, you might also enjoy:
- Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella
- Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
- Three-Cheese Manicotti
💬 Made this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below — I’d love to see your stuffed shells!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 6g
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