Cozy Hearty Beef Shells Casserole Recipe for Soul-Warming Nights

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this irresistible beef shells casserole that combines rich, savory flavors in every single bite.

Tender pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef and create a mouthwatering dish everyone will adore.

Melted cheese blankets the top, adding a golden, crispy layer that beckons hungry diners to the table.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with robust seasonings, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in each forkful.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Each serving promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate crowd-pleasing meal that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

Beef Shells Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Pasta Shells: Sturdy pasta perfect for holding creamy sauce, choose medium-sized shells for best texture and sauce capture.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation to the dish, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Provides robust flavor base, choose plump cloves without sprouts or discoloration.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein that creates hearty base, select lean ground beef for less greasiness.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meaty flavor and provides liquid consistency, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates luxurious creamy texture, choose quality condensed version.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smoothness, select full-fat version for best flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and moisture, use canned tomatoes with no added seasonings.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, melty layer with golden color, select sharp or extra-sharp variety.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates stretchy, gooey texture, choose low-moisture version.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh brightness and color, select vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for depth, ensure mix is fresh and fragrant.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color, choose sweet or smoked variety.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

Tools That Make Beef Shells

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and creating the flavorful sauce.
• Casserole Dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for baking and serving the creamy beef shells.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta shells after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.

Cooking Directions for Rich Beef Shells Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven warmed to a toasty 375F and give a quick spray of grease to your baking dish.

• Pasta Party

Boil those shells until they’re perfectly tender, then drain and set them aside.

• Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef and onions into a hot skillet, cooking until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown. Splash in garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Create a Flavor Explosion

Mix in tomatoes, mushroom soup, broth, sour cream, and seasonings. Let everything dance together for a few minutes, building an incredible taste profile.

• Merge Meat and Pasta

Fold your cooked shells into the beef mixture, making sure every shell gets a delicious coating.

• Build Your Masterpiece

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared dish and crown it with a generous blanket of cheese.

• Bake to Perfection

Send your casserole into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a gorgeous golden landscape.

• Serve with Love

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and bring this comfort classic to the table.

Flavor Boosts for Beef Shells with Sauce

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushy texture during baking, ensuring a perfect pasta bite every time.
• Choose ground beef with 85% lean meat for optimal flavor and reduced greasiness in the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, allowing flavors to intensify.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version or use plant-based meat alternatives for vegetarian guests.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gruyère, or smoked cheddar to elevate the dish's flavor profile.

Ideas for Serving Beef Shells Hot

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Make this casserole the star of your family's dinner table, creating warm memories around hearty comfort food that everyone will love.
• Potluck Party Sensation: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering, knowing it travels well and reheats perfectly for a guaranteed hit among friends and colleagues.
• Game Night Fuel: Serve alongside crisp green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying meal perfect for sports watching or casual weekend entertainment that keeps everyone happy and full.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – an excellent option for busy weeknights or planning multiple meals in advance.

Plan-Ahead Tips for Beef Shells Leftovers

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen dishes remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, use the oven at 350F, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Divide the casserole into single-serving containers before refrigerating. This method makes grab-and-go lunches easier, reduces waste, and helps maintain consistent meal sizes for diet tracking.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as substitutes for beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love this creamy, cheesy pasta dish. The mild flavors and soft pasta make it appealing to children of all ages.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup. Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Hearty Beef Shells Casserole

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Creamy Beef Shells Casserole brings together tender pasta shells and savory ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Warm and satisfying, this classic comfort dish delivers a delicious meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 12 oz (340g) pasta shells, medium
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes, diced, undrained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, condensed
• ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta shells in rapidly boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly, setting aside for subsequent layering.
3. Meat Transformation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions, meticulously breaking meat into fine crumbles. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, then drain excess fat to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
4. Sauce Symphony: Blend diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into a harmonious sauce. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Casserole Assembly: Gently combine cooked pasta shells with the beef sauce, ensuring complete flavor integration. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating an even, inviting landscape.
6. Cheese Crescendo: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella across the top, creating a luxurious molten cheese canopy.
7. Baking Finale: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot, capturing the essence of comfort cuisine.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Slightly undercook shells by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a delightful al dente texture.
• Fat Management: Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, which could make the casserole soggy and heavy.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Let cheese rest for 5 minutes after baking to achieve optimal melt and prevent immediate separation.
• Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg